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.

What Happens if Rain Abandons the Match?

In case the match in Mullanpur is washed out, IPL rules are clear: the team with the higher position in the league stage standings will automatically progress. PBKS, having finished at the top of the points table, would move directly to the final if the match is abandoned due to rain. RCB, meanwhile, would get another chance in Qualifier 2, where they would face the winner of the Eliminator.

Provision for Extra Time

Clause 13.7.3 of the IPL Playing Conditions allows for additional time in case of delays during playoff matches. According to the rule:

• A maximum of 120 minutes of extra time is available for any playoff match.
  
• This extra time is to be used first in case of delays.
  
• If needed, it can be followed by the time allocated for timeouts, and then by reducing the innings break, if applicable.
  
• Notably, the changeover time for a Super Over (maximum 10 minutes) is excluded when calculating permitted extra time.
  

Is There a Reserve Day?

The IPL rulebook mentions that reserve days for playoff matches will be detailed in the tournament schedule. However, the IPL governing council has not provided any further clarification. Given the sudden schedule changes, it appears that no reserve days have been designated for the playoffs. Additionally, there has been no official update regarding a reserve day for the final, scheduled for June 3.

As the playoffs kick off, all eyes will be on the weather and the intensity of the on-field battle as two title-hungry teams aim for IPL glory.