The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is waiting for a clear signal from the Indian government before restarting IPL 2025. The tournament was paused on May 8 after tensions between India and Pakistan caused safety concerns.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said, “We suspended the tournament for seven days, and today is the third day, with four more days left.” He added, “The BCCI is closely monitoring the situation and will take a call after consulting all stakeholders and the concerned government authorities.”
The board has started early discussions with team owners, broadcasters, and state associations. However, it will only announce the restart date after the government gives its approval. Saikia said, “It will be necessary to take the nod of the Government of India before finalising the time for its restart.”
India-Pakistan Peace Agreement Clears IPL 2025 Restart
A ceasefire between India and Pakistan began on May 10 at 5:00 PM IST, opening the door for the tournament to continue.Now, the BCCI is planning to restart matches as early as May 15 or 16.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla told PTI, “The war has stopped. In the new situation, BCCI officials and the IPL governing council will meet and decide the best schedule to complete the tournament.”
With the final set initially for May 25, the BCCI is trying to fit all remaining matches in before May 30. To do that, it might add more double-headers to the schedule.
IPL Teams Are Calling Back Foreign Players
Once the league was paused, many franchises sent their overseas players home. Now, with the situation improving, teams are asking players and staff to return to India.
Some players already on their way home have been told to stop and wait. One franchise even asked its coaching staff to cancel their travel plans.
Gujarat Titans are in a better position than most. Only two of their overseas players, Jos Buttler and Gerald Coetzee, have left, and the team is working to bring them back soon.
Still, not all teams are lucky. A few are finding it hard to contact players or confirm their availability. A franchise source said, “Unless we have clarity on the schedule and venues, it’s difficult to bring the players back.”
Another concern is that some overseas players may have national duties or may take part in the World Test Championship final, which starts on June 11.
IPL 2025 Matches and Venues Might Change
So far, 57 matches have been completed in IPL 2025. There are 12 league matches and four playoffs left. The 58th match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was stopped halfway on May 8 in Dharamsala. It is unclear if it will restart from where it ended or begin again.
The schedule could change a bit. Due to airport issues, Dharamsala may not host any more matches, and Punjab Kings’ two remaining home games could be moved to Ahmedabad.
According to the current plan:
- Ahmedabad will host three matches
- Lucknow and Bengaluru will host two each
- Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Jaipur will get one each
The playoffs will be played in Hyderabad and Kolkata. The final will be held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Broadcasters and Staff Ready for IPL Restart
Broadcast crews were earlier asked to stay only in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai during the tense period. But after the ceasefire, they have been told to stay ready at all the original venues, except Dharamsala.
“The crew has been instructed to stay put in all the original venues. So, there is a chance that venues like Kolkata will retain their matches,” Shukla said.
As the BCCI waits for the government’s go-ahead, teams, staff, and fans are getting ready for cricket’s return.
