In a major development for cricket fans worldwide, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively planning the resumption of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, following the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The temporary suspension of the tournament due to escalating geopolitical tensions may soon give way to a return of top-tier cricket, with a possible restart date around mid-May.
BCCI officials, along with members of the IPL Governing Council, are scheduled to meet and finalize the revised schedule. The league had paused operations after tensions culminated in the abandonment of the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match on May 8 in Dharamsala. That game had to be halted after just 10.1 overs due to security concerns.
Efforts Underway to Bring Overseas Players Back
Franchises have already begun coordinating the return of their overseas players and staff, many of whom had departed India once the tournament was paused. While some were still in transit or preparing to fly out, several teams have urged them to remain on standby for an immediate return. One franchise reportedly asked its coaching staff to delay their outbound travel in anticipation of a swift resumption.
Some teams are in a stronger position than others. For instance, Gujarat Titans only saw two of their overseas players—Jos Buttler and Gerald Coetzee—leave the country, and efforts are underway to bring them back promptly.
However, there is a narrow window to finish the tournament. The league originally aimed to wrap up by May 25, but with the disruption, the new timeline is uncertain. Further delays could complicate matters due to players’ international obligations, including preparations for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final between Australia and South Africa, scheduled for June 11 at Lord’s.
Remaining Fixtures and Potential Venues
Prior to the suspension, 57 matches had been completed in IPL 2025. Twelve league matches and four playoff games remain. There’s also uncertainty around the abandoned PBKS vs DC game—whether it will be replayed or not is still under review.
To streamline logistics and ensure safety, the remaining matches may be relocated to a few selected cities in southern India—specifically Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. These cities are being considered for their infrastructure, security preparedness, and operational readiness.
Playoff Race Heats Up
With the playoff race still wide open, seven teams are actively vying for the final spots. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are the only franchises mathematically out of contention. The remaining teams are likely to face a compressed and high-pressure finish to the league once the fixtures are confirmed.
Stay tuned for the latest on the revised IPL 2025 schedule, player availability, and key updates as cricket looks to return in dramatic fashion following a historic geopolitical development.
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