By Debasis Sen
It has been more than a week since the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the IPL 2025 playoffs schedule. Eden Gardens, which was previously slated to host one of the Qualifiers and the Final has not been given any matches in the rescheduled fixture post the resumption of IPL 2025 on June 17. Despite repeated requests and mails being sent along with a report on the weather pattern expected in Kolkata on June 3, CAB officials are yet to hear anything from BCCI. In the past one week, the sport-loving people of the city have witnessed protests by cricket fans in front of the Eden Gardens. Former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly also had to step in, addressing the uncertainty surrounding the iconic venue losing the right to host the IPL 2025 final.
In an event recently held in the city, Sourav was quoted as saying, “CAB is trying to talk to the BCCI. I am sure everything will be sorted. I’m very hopeful.”
Talking about the cricket-crazy fans resorting to protests, Ganguly said, “Protest doesn’t help much. BCCI has a very good relationship with the Cricket Association of Bengal.”
Cricket Association of Bengal President Snehasish Ganguly too is optimistic about getting to host at least one match in the playoffs given the strong ties between the association and the BCCI. According to a top official in CAB, the association is looking forward to a virtual meeting of the IPL Governing Council on Tuesday where the venues for the playoff matches are going to be discussed. The official, who does not want to be quoted, has pinned his hopes on Avishek Dalmiya, who is currently a member of IPL Governing Council and also an ex-President of the association.
The primary reason behind BCCI not keeping any playoff matches at the Eden Gardens is the looming southwest monsoon during June. Countering that opinion, CAB proactively submitted a report on the weather pattern expected in Kolkata on 3 June. The association insiders feel the board has taken a hasty decision regarding shifting the qualifier and final from Eden Gardens.
As of now, the BCCI has not officially announced the venues of playoff matches including the final. CAB officials are still hopeful that the board might reconsider its decision, given the cordial relationship shared by the association with the board. However, with time running out and logistics being finalised, it remains to be seen whether the iconic venue will get its chance to host the finale or not.
The IPL 2025 final was initially scheduled to be held at Eden Gardens on May 25. However, due to tensions at the India-Pakistan border, BCCI had to suspend the IPL 2025 matches for a week. The revised schedule of the remaining matches was announced by the board on May 12 with six venues being shortlisted. As per the revised schedule Qualifier 1 will be played on May 29 followed by the Eliminator on May 30 and Qualifier 2 on June 1. The final is scheduled on June 3 with Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad being the frontrunner to host.
Follow Revsportz for latest sports news