IPL 2025: PBKS vs MI Match Shifted to Ahmedabad from Dharamshala

IPL 2025: Match 61 Between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians Shifted to Ahmedabad Due to Logistical Issues

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially confirmed that Match No. 61 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, featuring the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI), has been relocated from Dharamshala to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match will still be held on Sunday, May 11, and the timing of 3:30 PM IST remains unchanged.

This sudden venue change has sparked plenty of conversation among fans and analysts alike, especially given Dharamshala’s scenic beauty and its rare appearances on the IPL calendar. However, the move is being seen as a practical decision by the BCCI, rooted in behind-the-scenes complexities.

The Reason Behind the Venue Change

The official statement released by BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia cited logistical challenges as the reason for the shift. While the board didn’t elaborate further, sources close to the matter suggest a combination of weather concerns, transportation constraints, and operational hurdles at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala may have played a role.

Dharamshala, though one of the most picturesque venues in the world, often grapples with unpredictable May weather and infrastructure limitations for large-scale events like the IPL. Moving the match to Ahmedabad, home to the world’s largest cricket stadium, ensures smooth logistics, large capacity, and reliable facilities.

Ahmedabad: A Reliable Host for High-Pressure Clashes

With a seating capacity of over 130,000, the Narendra Modi Stadium is no stranger to big games. In fact, the venue has consistently hosted playoff matches, international fixtures, and high-stakes group games. For this late-stage IPL encounter, which could prove decisive in the playoff race, Ahmedabad provides a high-performance setting with world-class amenities for players, broadcasters, and fans.

For both teams, this isn’t new territory. The Mumbai Indians have played multiple high-pressure games at the venue, and the Punjab Kings have also had their share of fixtures here during prior seasons when IPL matches were played at neutral venues due to COVID-19 protocols.

What This Means for Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians

With both teams still battling for playoff spots, Match 61 holds significant importance in the IPL 2025 league standings. The change of venue alters certain tactical dynamics, particularly considering pitch behavior, boundary size, and crowd influence.

The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch is known to favor both fast bowlers and power-hitters depending on the time of day and weather. Afternoon matches, like this one, have often seen high-scoring games with true bounce and good carry. That means batters like Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Shikhar Dhawan could enjoy their time at the crease, while pacers such as Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh will look to exploit early seam movement.

The Punjab Kings, who were slated to play in front of a semi-home crowd at Dharamshala, may now feel the pinch. Ahmedabad has a strong Mumbai-based fan presence, which might skew the crowd support in favor of MI.

A Minor Setback for Dharamshala

Dharamshala’s return to the IPL calendar in 2025 was widely welcomed, especially by fans in the north who don’t often get access to live IPL games. However, with logistical efficiency taking priority, the match shift marks a missed opportunity for the venue to showcase itself once again on the global stage.

Yet, the BCCI's decision reflects a forward-thinking approach, placing the quality of experience and operational readiness above nostalgia.

What to Expect From the Match

Match 61 between PBKS and MI could potentially be a do-or-die encounter for one or both franchises depending on the standings leading into May 11. The shift to a neutral but high-profile venue like Ahmedabad adds an element of grandeur and a level playing field.

Fans can expect a high-octane battle. Both sides boast deep batting lineups, pace-rich bowling attacks, and captains known for clutch decision-making. If the conditions favor batting, we could be in for a run-fest; if not, expect the bowlers to dominate the afternoon heat.

The match will be broadcast live across all platforms, and a packed stadium is anticipated given Ahmedabad’s central location and MI’s strong pan-India following.

Final Thoughts

In a season full of thrilling twists and unexpected turns, the venue switch of PBKS vs MI is just another reminder of how fluid and dynamic the IPL remains. While fans in Dharamshala will undoubtedly be disappointed, the move to Ahmedabad ensures the match takes place under the best possible conditions with minimal risk and maximum visibility.

The stage is set. The stakes are high. And come May 11 at 3:30 PM IST, all eyes will be on Narendra Modi Stadium as the IPL caravan rolls on.