BCCI Plans to Resume IPL 2025 Amid Tensions Between India and Pakistan
IPL 2025 Suspension Due to Security Concerns
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated plans to restart the IPL 2025 season, which has been paused for a week due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The safety of players, support staff, and fans has been prioritized over the tournament amidst these escalating issues.
The decision to halt the IPL came shortly after the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abandoned at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala due to security alerts. The game was stopped after 10.1 overs when floodlights failed, prompting a swift evacuation of players and spectators amid air raid warnings in nearby areas such as Pathankot, Jammu, and Jaisalmer.
Special Arrangements for Players
In light of the situation, the BCCI arranged a special Vande Bharat train to transport the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals players, along with their support staff and broadcasting crew, to Delhi. This was necessary as flight operations were suspended due to increased airspace restrictions and security protocols.
Plans for Resuming IPL 2025
According to reports from ESPN Cricinfo, the BCCI is considering three southern cities—Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad—as potential venues for the remaining matches of IPL 2025, pending approval from the Indian Government. Before the suspension, 57 league matches had been completed, with the 58th match being abandoned. There are still 16 matches left, including the Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final.
However, the exact date for resuming the season remains uncertain, with speculation about whether it will restart after a week or later in May. The BCCI has acknowledged the complexities involved in resuming the tournament under the current circumstances.
Challenges with Overseas Players
One significant hurdle for the BCCI will be securing the return of overseas players once IPL 2025 resumes. Many of these players have already returned to their home countries following the suspension, raising questions about their availability due to international commitments.
Australia and South Africa are set to prepare for the World Test Championship Final on June 11, while England players will resume national duties with a Test series against India starting June 20 at Headingley. Although franchises are hopeful about their overseas players participating if the tournament resumes in May, they recognize that extending the season beyond May 25, when the final is scheduled in Kolkata, could jeopardize their availability.