/betbarter/media/media_files/2025/05/18/C8qxY0LSRsRdGBBw6q0P.jpg)
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly is strongly hopeful that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL Governing Council to go ahead with the IPL 2025 final venue at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
With the IPL 2025 coming to a halt due to the cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, the BCCI had to make a few changes in venues. However, with the IPL 2025 resumption from May 17, the BCCI and IPL GC are yet to come up with finalized venues for the playoffs.
For the unversed, earlier, Kolkata was granted the final and Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2025 season. Of late, Ganguly shared his opinion on the matter and said that he’s in regular talks with the BCCI officials and IPL GC to sort out everything at the earliest.
"No, no, we're trying -- talking to the BCCI. Is it that easy to shift the final? It's Eden's playoffs, and I'm sure everything will be sorted. I'm very hopeful. Protest doesn't help much. BCCI has a very good relationship with the Cricket Association of Bengal,” Ganguly told PTI.
Moreover, Ganguly also had his say on the retirements of Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket. He stated that Kohli’s retirement surprised him the most, comparatively.
"It's their own decision. Can anyone leave the sport without it being their own wish? But it's been a fantastic career, and the same goes for Rohit Sharma. Kohli's retirement has surprised me," he added.
Notably, Kohli bid adieu after playing 123 Tests and scoring 9230 runs in his career at an average of 46.85 with 30 centuries and 31 fifties. He made his debut in the longest format way back in 2011 against the West Indies.
Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!