BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said the decision to host the IPL final in Ahmedabad was based on logistics rather than politics.

The dispute over the venue highlights the tension between sporting administration and political scrutiny in India, where major tournament locations often spark regional debate.

Shukla responded to questions raised by DK Shivakumar regarding the shift of the IPL 2025 playoffs and final from Kolkata to Ahmedabad [1]. The move had drawn criticism and accusations that the change in location was influenced by political interests.

"The decision to move the IPL playoffs and final to Ahmedabad was not politically motivated," Shukla said [2]. He said the choice was driven by the quality of the facilities available to the league.

Shukla said Ahmedabad is a world-class venue and the best choice for the IPL final [3]. He said the Board of Control for Cricket in India prioritized the operational success of the event over other considerations.

The BCCI has not released further detailed logistical reports to support the shift, but the organization continues to maintain that the infrastructure in Gujarat provides the necessary capacity for the high-demand event. The move remains a point of contention for those who believe the tournament's rotation should be more balanced across different Indian states.

“"The decision to move the IPL playoffs and final to Ahmedabad was not politically motivated."”

The public disagreement between a high-ranking BCCI official and a political figure underscores the intersection of cricket and politics in India. By framing the venue change as a logistical necessity, the BCCI attempts to insulate the league's commercial and operational decisions from regional political pressure.