The BCCI was treated harshly by social media for moving the game and the final from Kolkata to the Gujarat city, as the start of Qualifier 2 on Sunday in Ahmedabad was significantly delayed by rain, leaving the Ambanis visibly anxious with the prospect of a washout threatening Mumbai Indians' campaign. However, after no overs were lost in Qualifier 2 and the rain stayed away from the final, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their first title by defeating Punjab Kings, there was a sigh of relief.

The original plan was for Kolkata's Eden Gardens to host the championship match and Qualifier 2. However, on May 20, at the IPL Governing Council meeting, the venue was changed after BCCI authorities made the decision to modify the schedule in response to weather predictions. Consequently, Chandigarh took the place of Hyderabad in hosting the Eliminator and Qualifier 1.

Based on weather information from IPL cities, the BCCI defended its choice, according to a Cricbuzz report. In Ahmedabad, the chance of rain was just 3%, while Kolkata had a 65% chance.

The choice was met with political opposition, but on Wednesday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia broke his silence, stating: "The decision was never political." We relied on scientific data and contributions. At the time of the GC, no rain was predicted in Ahmedabad.

Rajeev Shukla, the vice president of the BCCI, had also said much in a similar vein prior to the final, refuting rumors and conjectures that the change in location was motivated by a "political agenda."

"The choice of changing the location of the IPL 2025 final has no political implications. The championship game would have taken place in Kolkata, while the playoffs would have taken place in Hyderabad, had the IPL not been postponed for a week and the competition had followed the original plan. The weather element was taken into account once the plan had been modified. The move to a different site was even supported by broadcasters in order to prevent financial losses, he told ANI.

Looking back, BCCI's conviction was vindicated. The second innings of the championship occurred on Tuesday evening as Kolkata was hit by thunderstorms, but Sunday was dry. The outcome would probably have depended on the reserve day if the game had been played there.

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