With extreme heat forecast for Sunday’s high-stakes IPL 2025 clash between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings, the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) has introduced special safety arrangements at the Narendra Modi Stadium to shield spectators, players, and staff from intense heatwave conditions.
The temperature is expected to hover between 35°C and 40°C during the afternoon encounter. During a similar daytime match at the same venue on April 19, Delhi Capitals’ Ishant Sharma struggled under the sweltering heat and had to leave the field twice, drawing attention to the need for better heat management. In a public advisory, the GCA urged attendees to stay well-hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. “These precautions aim to mitigate the risks associated with extreme heat and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone attending the match,” the association said in its statement. Among the key arrangements, two mini-hospitals with four beds each will be set up inside the stadium. A team of medical professionals and multiple 108 ambulances will be on standby throughout the match.
The GCA has also ensured the availability of free drinking water at key locations including Gate No. 1, Fan Zones 1 and 2, the Ramada Club Gate, the President Gallery pickup point, and 10 other designated water stations on the stadium podium. To help attendees beat the heat, mist fans and coolers will be installed in various seating blocks, while Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets will be distributed free of charge at medical counters and by volunteers. The match is crucial for the Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans, who need a win to finish in the top two of the league table and qualify directly for Qualifier 1, scheduled to take place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on May 29.
As Ahmedabad prepares to host this decisive fixture, the GCA’s proactive steps aim to prioritise health and safety amid challenging weather conditions.
