IPL 2025 Set to Resume Soon Following Border Tensions

IPL 2025 Could Resume Next Week

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is likely to restart as early as next week after a temporary halt due to rising tensions at the India-Pakistan border. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed all franchises to bring back their international players by Tuesday, with the aim of concluding the season on May 25 as initially scheduled.

Franchises Preparing for Player Return

Reports indicate that teams have been advised to finalize their rosters, particularly focusing on foreign players who departed when the tournament was suspended. Currently, only the Punjab Kings are awaiting confirmation regarding their new venue, while other teams have received approval to start reassembling.

BCCI's Plans for a Swift Return

“All franchises have been instructed to ensure their teams report to their respective locations by Tuesday. Punjab will play at a neutral venue, which is still to be confirmed. The board is considering scheduling more double headers to complete the IPL on the planned date,” a BCCI source shared.

With a ceasefire between India and Pakistan established since Saturday evening, the BCCI is acting swiftly to resume the tournament. The IPL final is still slated for May 25, but the timeline may become more compressed.

Adjustments and Venue Changes

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The BCCI anticipates more double-header matches, and some venues may be altered. Dharamsala, which recently hosted the abandoned match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, might be excluded due to travel issues and airport closures.

BCCI Optimistic About Final on May 25

With 16 matches remaining—12 league games and 4 playoff contests—the board is working to reassure international players that security measures have been enhanced and it is safe for them to return. Players such as Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Phil Salt, and Gerald Coetzee had left after the tournament was paused, but many, particularly from the Gujarat Titans, are expected to return shortly. Only Buttler and Coetzee had departed from GT, and efforts are underway to facilitate their swift return.

Potential Venues for Resumption

The BCCI has reportedly identified Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad as primary venues for the IPL's restart, although final decisions will be made following discussions with franchise owners, broadcasters, and government representatives. Other cities like Lucknow, Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad are also being considered for the remaining league matches.

Playoffs and Upcoming International Series

The playoffs are expected to be divided between Kolkata and Hyderabad, with Eden Gardens still slated to host the final. A revised schedule is anticipated to be released after internal discussions early next week.

In addition to the IPL's tight timeline, there is pressure from upcoming international fixtures. England's white-ball series against the West Indies is set to begin on May 29, while Australia and South Africa will be preparing for the World Test Championship Final in June. Therefore, extending beyond May 25 is not feasible.

Looking Ahead

All eyes are now on Tuesday. If the international players return on time, IPL 2025 could be back in full action by the following weekend.