As the IPL 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling conclusion to the season.
However, weather forecasts for Ahmedabad, the venue for the final, predict potential rain, raising concerns about the match being washed out.
This article explores the implications of such a scenario, including the presence of a reserve day and the rules that would determine the outcome if the final cannot be completed.
Reserve Day for the Final
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has provisions in place for weather disruptions during the IPL playoffs. Specifically, the IPL 2025 final includes a reserve day to accommodate any interruptions caused by rain.
This means that if the match cannot be completed on the scheduled day, it will be resumed or replayed on the reserve day, ensuring a fair opportunity for both teams to compete for the title.
Match Abandonment and Determining the Winner
In the event that the final cannot be completed even on the reserve day due to persistent rain or unplayable conditions, the IPL’s playing conditions stipulate that the team finishing higher in the league stage standings will be declared the winner.
This rule emphasizes the importance of consistent performance throughout the tournament.
In IPL 2025, both RCB and PBKS finished the league stage with equal points. However, PBKS secured the top position due to a superior net run rate.
Therefore, if the final is abandoned without a result, PBKS would be declared the champions based on their higher standing in the league stage.
Implications for the Teams
For RCB, a team that has been striving for their maiden IPL title, the possibility of a washout is a significant concern. Having reached the final, they would prefer the opportunity to compete on the field rather than lose the title due to weather conditions.
PBKS, on the other hand, would benefit from their consistent performance in the league stage. While they would undoubtedly prefer to win the final through on-field performance, the rules provide them with a safety net in case of a washout.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Fans of both teams are anxiously monitoring weather updates, hoping for clear skies to allow the final to proceed as scheduled.
The prospect of a title being decided without play is disappointing for players and supporters alike, as it denies the opportunity for a competitive and conclusive end to the season.
The IPL 2025 final between RCB and PBKS is poised to be a memorable encounter, provided the weather cooperates.
While the presence of a reserve day offers some assurance, the possibility of a washout remains. In such a case, the IPL’s rules ensure that the team with the better league stage performance, in this instance PBKS, would be awarded the title.
Fans and players alike will be hoping for favorable conditions to allow the final to be decided on the field.