IPL Qualifier 1: What Happens If PBKS Match Is Abandoned?

The IPL 2025 playoffs are set to begin with the first qualifier between Punjab Kings ( PBKS ) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The high-stakes clash will take place on Thursday evening at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

Both teams are yet to lift the IPL trophy. While Punjab Kings reached the final once in 2014, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have finished as runners-up on three occasions. Tonight’s match presents a crucial opportunity for either side to edge closer to their long-awaited IPL title.

Venue Change Due to Revised Schedule

Originally, the playoff matches were scheduled to be held in Kolkata and Hyderabad. However, due to a one-week suspension of the tournament stemming from the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict, the schedule was revised. With a heightened risk of rain affecting the fixtures, the BCCI moved the playoff venues to Punjab and Ahmedabad to mitigate disruptions.