RCB vs SRH IPL Match on May 23 Moved from Bengaluru to Lucknow Due to Weather Concerns

RCB vs SRH 2025: In a major development ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs, the much-anticipated 65th match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), originally scheduled to take place in M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on May 23, has reportedly been shifted to Lucknow due to adverse weather conditions.

According to ESPNCricinfo reports, the decision was taken likely after heavy rains lashed Bengaluru over the past few days, severely impacting ground conditions and raising concerns over player safety and match continuity. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued consistent rain alerts for the city, prompting officials to move the fixture to ensure an uninterrupted contest.

The match will now be played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on the same date, May 23.

After facing LSG at the Ekana Stadium on May 19, SRH have been advised to remain in Lucknow for their upcoming clash against RCB.

RCB will now face both Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium Lucknow, with their final away game against LSG scheduled for May 27.

While SRH will aim to continue their strong form, RCB will be looking to regroup after their travel shift and make the most of this new venue.

RCB's last home fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday was washed out without a single ball being bowled due to relentless rain in Bengaluru. Since then, the team has remained indoors, as heavy downpours and thunderstorms have battered the city, causing widespread waterlogging.

RCB Match Shift Triggers Debate; Fans Left Fuming

However, netizens expressed their displeasure over the venue change, with many claiming that the decision appeared to favour RCB. "This season is completely favouring RCB, never seen any match rescheduling to another venue due to weather," one user remarked.

Another wrote, "This is incredibly unfair on all the teams that have had matches abandoned this IPL, and most importantly, on RCB fans, who are being denied the chance to watch their players at home for one last time this season."

Following a brief suspension earlier this month, the BCCI has revised the IPL 2025 playoff schedule, with Mullanpur and Ahmedabad chosen as the new venues for the four crucial matches. According to ESPNcricinfo, Mullanpur will now host Qualifier 1 on May 29 and the Eliminator on May 30, while Ahmedabad will stage Qualifier 2 on June 1 and the grand final on June 3. Initially, Hyderabad and Kolkata were set to host these matches later this month.

Stay tuned for more updates on match timings, playing XI, and weather forecasts from Lucknow.