IPL 2025 Resumes: Key Dates and Venue Changes Announced
IPL 2025 Set to Restart
The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League is set to kick off again on Saturday, May 17, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing off against the Kolkata Knight Riders, as announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on May 12. There are 17 matches left in the season, culminating in the grand finale scheduled for June 3. The specific locations for the playoff matches will be revealed at a later date.
Security Discussions Facilitate Resumption
The decision to resume the tournament followed consultations with government officials, security agencies, and other relevant parties. The board emphasized that the new arrangements are both secure and logistically feasible given the current circumstances.
Revised Schedule and Locations
The updated schedule now includes only two doubleheaders, both taking place on Sundays. Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator are set for May 29 and May 30, respectively, while Qualifier 2 will occur on June 1.
In a departure from earlier speculation, the tournament will now be held across six cities: Bengaluru, Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. Notably, southern venues such as Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mullanpur have been excluded.
No Home Matches for CSK, SRH, and PBKS
Chennai, Hyderabad, and Dharamsala will not host any matches. The Chennai Super Kings will conclude their home games against the Rajasthan Royals in Delhi on May 20, while the Sunrisers Hyderabad will play their final home match against KKR in Delhi on May 25. Both teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
Rescheduled Match for PBKS and DC
The previously postponed match between the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, which was set for May 8, will now take place on May 24 in Jaipur. The Punjab Kings will also play their remaining two matches in Jaipur, as Mullanpur is not included in the revised schedule.
Mumbai Indians' Last Home Game at Wankhede
The Mumbai Indians, who are still in the race for a playoff spot, will host their final home game at Wankhede Stadium against the Delhi Capitals on May 21.
Concerns Over Overseas Player Participation
The recent postponement of the tournament was triggered by escalating border tensions, which led to a match being canceled in Dharamsala. During the suspension, several international players returned to their home countries. With the World Test Championship Final approaching on June 11, the availability of key players, particularly those from Australia and South Africa, remains uncertain as the IPL enters its critical final phase.