The excitement is high as Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are all set to face off in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2025 playoffs. The match will take place in Mullanpur on Thursday. But with rain in the forecast, fans are wondering—what happens if the match doesn’t take place?
Let’s break it down for you.
PBKS and RCB: How They Got Here
PBKS confirmed their spot in the top two after defeating Mumbai Indians on Monday. RCB followed closely behind with a stunning win over Lucknow Super Giants in the final league match on Tuesday.
Both teams finished the league stage with 21 points each from 14 games, but Punjab Kings topped the table thanks to a better Net Run Rate (NRR).
No Reserve Day for Qualifier 1
Unlike the final, there is no reserve day for Qualifier 1. This means if the match is washed out due to rain, it won’t be rescheduled.
So what happens next?
If It Rains – Who Goes to the Final?
If rain plays spoilsport and the match is abandoned without a ball being bowled, Punjab Kings will directly qualify for the IPL 2025 final. This is because they finished higher than RCB in the league standings.
What Happens to RCB?
RCB won’t be out of the tournament. They’ll get another chance to reach the final. In that case, they’ll play the winner of the Eliminator match between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans.
This is the advantage of finishing in the top two—you get two shots at reaching the final.
Punjab Kings: A New Era of Confidence
This is the first time since 2014 that PBKS have reached the play-offs. Under the leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, the team has shown a new level of consistency. They’ve built a strong and balanced squad, and the results are finally showing.
RCB: Hoping to Break the Curse
For RCB fans, knockouts often come with heartbreak. The team has made it to the playoffs several times but is still chasing their first-ever IPL title. With a strong performance this season, they’ll be hoping to go all the way—but as they say, the job is only half done.
Final Thoughts
Rain or no rain, both teams are ready for a fierce battle. And while Punjab Kings would benefit from a washout, you can expect both sides to come out with full force if the weather holds up. After all, the path to the IPL 2025 final is wide open—but only one team can walk through it first.
