Delhi Capitals owner Parth Jindal wants MI vs DC moved from Mumbai: Report

With dark clouds of uncertainty looming over the crucial IPL 2025 showdown between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals on Wednesday, concerns over rain interruptions have intensified. In light of the weather threat, DC co-owner Parth Jindal has reportedly approached the BCCI, urging them to relocate the high-stakes match to a different venue, as per a report by ESPNcricinfo.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, with forecasts suggesting a high probability of rainfall, potentially disrupting the fixture at the Wankhede Stadium.

This encounter holds immense significance for the Delhi Capitals. A win over MI followed by a victory in their final league match would guarantee them a direct berth in the playoffs. However, a loss would mean Mumbai Indians progress. A washout, too, would heavily damage DC’s prospects.

Currently, Delhi Capitals stand at 13 points from 12 matches, while Mumbai Indians sit slightly ahead with 14 points from an equal number of games. If Wednesday’s match is washed out and MI go on to defeat Punjab Kings in their last fixture, they will advance to the playoffs.

Earlier on Tuesday, the BCCI had relocated the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, scheduled for May 23, to Lucknow due to `unfavourable weather conditions` in Bengaluru. Citing this precedent, Jindal made his appeal.

“The forecast in Mumbai is for heavy rains, and there is a strong likelihood that the game will be washed out,” Parth wrote, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“Just as the game between RCB vs SRH has been moved out of Bengaluru in the quest for consistency and in the interest of the league it is my request that tomorrow`s game also be moved to a different location as we have known for the better part of 6 days that the forecast for 21st in Mumbai is for heavy showers,” he added.

Despite the plea, the BCCI is reportedly unlikely to grant the request, citing significant logistical constraints in relocating a match on such short notice.

This development unfolds amid ongoing debates over consistency in the league’s rule enforcement. Just recently, KKR CEO Venky Mysore wrote to the BCCI expressing dissatisfaction over a rule change mid-season. The board had introduced a provision allowing an additional 60 minutes of play in rain-affected matches.

Notably, KKR’s clash against RCB on May 17 was abandoned due to rain, a result that eliminated them from playoff contention. The franchise argued that had the new rule been implemented earlier, they could have played a minimum five-over game and possibly stayed alive in the tournament.

This article first appeared on Mid Day