The IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, is a crucial knockout fixture that determines who will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the final.
With weather concerns looming, fans and teams are keen to know the official protocol if rain washes out this high-stakes encounter.
IPL Playing Conditions for Washed-Out Playoffs
- No Reserve Day for Qualifier 2: Unlike the IPL final, Qualifier 2 has no reserve day scheduled.
- Points Table Decides the Finalist: If the match is abandoned without a result due to rain (i.e., not even a five-over-a-side game or a Super Over is possible), the team that finished higher in the league stage points table automatically advances to the final.
- Extra Time Provision: IPL rules allow up to 120 minutes (two hours) of extra time to accommodate rain delays during playoffs, giving ground staff ample opportunity to prepare the field for play. The cut-off time for a full 20-over match is two hours after the scheduled start, and for a five-over match, play can begin as late as 11:56 PM.
Who Advances If PBKS vs MI Is Washed Out?
- Punjab Kings (PBKS) Will Advance: PBKS finished first in the IPL 2025 league stage with 19 points, while MI finished fourth with 16 points.
- Official Rule: As per IPL 2025 playing conditions:
“If conditions do not permit a Super Over, or subsequent Super Overs within the time available to determine the winner then the team which, at the end of the relevant regular Season, finished in the higher position in the League will be deemed the winner of the relevant play-off match.” - Scenario: If rain prevents any play and no result is possible, PBKS will be declared the winner of Qualifier 2 and will face RCB in the IPL 2025 final.
Weather Outlook and Likelihood
- Weather Forecast: While there have been concerns about rain, the latest forecasts suggest only a slight chance of showers around the scheduled start time, with conditions expected to improve as the evening progresses.
- Precedent: The IPL has rarely seen playoff matches abandoned entirely, especially with extra time provisions in place, but the rule ensures clarity in case of a complete washout.
