IPL 2025 Playoff Structure and Venue
With the league stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 wrapped up, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the structure and venue allocations for the upcoming playoff matches. Fans across India are gearing up for a thrilling finish to one of the most unpredictable IPL seasons in recent memory.
Complete Playoff Format: Qualifier, Eliminator & Final
The IPL 2025 playoffs will follow the traditional four-match format:
- Qualifier 1 – Played between the top two teams on the points table. The winner moves directly to the Final.
- Eliminator – Played between the 3rd and 4th ranked teams. The loser is knocked out.
- Qualifier 2 – The loser of Qualifier 1 takes on the winner of the Eliminator.
- Final – The winner of Qualifier 1 vs. the winner of Qualifier 2.
This format gives the top two teams an extra opportunity to make it to the final, emphasizing the importance of finishing high in the points table.
Venues Finalized: Ahmedabad to Host the Grand Finale
The BCCI has allocated venues for each of the playoff games, keeping weather and logistics in mind:
- Qualifier 1: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Eliminator: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
- Qualifier 2: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- Final: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (June 3)
This marks the return of the IPL final to Ahmedabad, which also hosted the IPL 2022 and 2023 finals.
Rain Contingency Plans in Place
Given recent weather disruptions during the league phase, the BCCI has built in extra time allowances and reserve days for the playoffs. The final in Ahmedabad will have a reserve day to ensure that the champion is crowned on the field, not off it.
What This Means for Teams and Fans
With several teams still eyeing their first title and others looking to add to their legacy, the playoff stage promises high-octane cricket and packed stadiums. For fans traveling to the games, early planning is key, especially with high demand for Ahmedabad’s final showdown.