Mullanpur Stadium: The New Star in IPL 2025’s Cricketing Galaxy
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to evolve, so too does its choice of venues. For IPL 2025, one of the biggest surprises has been the inclusion of Mullanpur Stadium—officially the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium—as one of the key venues for the tournament’s high-stakes playoff matches.
Located in Mullanpur, Mohali, on the outskirts of Chandigarh, the stadium has quickly captured the spotlight and is now poised to host some of the season’s most critical matches, including Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator.
A Newcomer Steps into the Limelight
Traditionally, IPL playoff matches have been hosted in iconic stadiums such as Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. However, in 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the significant decision to move two of the four playoff matches to Mullanpur. The final, meanwhile, will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The decision to bring Mullanpur into the spotlight highlights a strategic shift—expanding the IPL footprint beyond traditional centers and embracing new, high-tech infrastructure capable of hosting world-class matches.
About the Mullanpur Stadium
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium is one of the most modern cricket facilities in India. It was developed by the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) to reduce congestion at the older IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali and provide a futuristic venue that aligns with international standards.
Key features include:
- Seating capacity: Around 35,000 spectators
- Eco-friendly design with modern drainage and lighting systems
- Advanced practice facilities, including indoor nets
- High-definition broadcasting and media zones
- Ample parking and crowd management infrastructure
Built with both players and fans in mind, the stadium has been praised for its spectator-friendly layout and state-of-the-art facilities, making it an ideal host for big-ticket matches.
IPL 2025: What’s Happening at Mullanpur?
As per the revised schedule announced by the BCCI, Mullanpur will host:
- Qualifier 1 – The clash between the top two teams from the league stage
- Eliminator – A knockout match between the 3rd and 4th placed teams
These matches are crucial because:
- Qualifier 1 determines the first finalist.
- The Eliminator decides which team stays in the race for the title.
The decision to host these matches in Mullanpur demonstrates BCCI’s confidence in the venue’s capabilities and is also seen as a move to decentralize IPL’s big matches.
According to reports, the choice was influenced by the stadium’s successful trial run during earlier league matches, where security, traffic management, and crowd control received positive feedback.
Impact on Chandigarh and Punjab
Mullanpur’s selection has put the Chandigarh region on the national cricketing map once again, bringing with it several economic and cultural benefits:
- Increased tourism and hospitality activity in the region
- Boost for local businesses including transport, hotels, and restaurants
- Enhanced visibility for North Indian cricketing infrastructure
Additionally, this shift can inspire younger players in Punjab and neighboring states, who now have an elite-level venue within their reach. It also sets the tone for hosting international matches and future ICC events.
Disappointment for Kolkata
While Mullanpur celebrates, the news did come as a disappointment for Kolkata, particularly Eden Gardens fans. Initially expected to host at least one playoff or the final, the iconic venue lost out in the latest reshuffling.
Insiders suggest that logistical considerations, including weather, political conditions, and availability, might have played a role in the decision. It also reflects the BCCI’s evolving venue rotation strategy, which increasingly prioritizes infrastructure readiness and regional balance.
Fan Reactions and Media Buzz
Fans have taken to social media with mixed emotions. While many in northern India expressed joy at finally seeing top-tier IPL action come to their region, long-time fans from more established cricketing hubs felt sidelined.
“Mullanpur deserves this chance. The stadium is top-notch, and the crowd support has been phenomenal. This is a good move by BCCI,” said a local fan from Chandigarh.
Cricket pundits have also weighed in, with most agreeing that expanding to newer venues is essential for the growth of Indian cricket. Mullanpur hosting high-pressure games like the Eliminator and Qualifier 1 could set a precedent for even more widespread IPL venue choices in the future.
Conclusion: A Milestone Moment for Mullanpur
The inclusion of Mullanpur Stadium in the IPL 2025 playoffs is not just a logistical decision, but a strategic and symbolic one. It signals a future where newer cities and modern infrastructure will be as much a part of Indian cricket’s DNA as the legendary stadiums of the past.
With the playoffs now upon us, all eyes will be on Mullanpur—not just for the action on the pitch, but for how this new venue holds up under the spotlight of one of the world’s biggest sporting leagues.
For fans, it’s a chance to witness history unfold in a new setting. For Mullanpur, it’s a moment of glory that may define its future for decades to come.