IPL 2025 Set to Resume Amidst Tensions: What Fans Can Expect!

IPL Resumption Details Amidst India-Pakistan Conflict

New Delhi: Following the ceasefire in the ongoing military tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is poised to restart on either May 16 or 17, with potential changes to the final's location away from Kolkata.

The league was initially halted on May 9 due to the conflict, but the recent announcement of a ceasefire has opened the door for its resumption.

On Sunday, members of the IPL Governing Council and officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) convened to discuss the plans for restarting the tournament.

BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla mentioned that the board is actively working on a revised schedule.

He stated, "Currently, no final decision has been made regarding the IPL. BCCI officials are exploring various solutions. The BCCI secretary and IPL Chairman are in discussions with franchises, and we will soon have an update on the situation. Efforts are underway to resume the tournament as soon as possible."

According to an IPL insider, the league will kick off again with the match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Lucknow, which was originally scheduled for May 9.

"All teams have been instructed to recall their players, and the tournament is expected to resume on May 16 or 17 in Lucknow. The finalized schedule will be released tomorrow (Monday)," the source informed.

"It is likely that matches will take place at four venues, and Delhi and Dharamsala will not host additional games. Equipment has already been removed from these locations," the insider added.

The source also indicated that there would be no changes to the venues for Qualifier I and the Eliminator, which Hyderabad was set to host, but Kolkata might lose the opportunity to host the final, likely scheduled for June 1, due to anticipated rain.

"Currently, there are no alterations to the playoff venues, but rain could impact the final in Kolkata. If that happens, the final may be relocated to Ahmedabad," the source explained.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia mentioned, "In the coming days, we will initiate discussions with franchises, broadcasters, sponsors, and state associations responsible for hosting the remaining matches before finalizing the league's resumption."

"Given the significance of the IPL at this time, it is also essential to obtain approval from the Government of India before confirming the restart schedule."

Regarding the Abandoned Match Between PBKS and DC

It is likely that both teams will receive one point each. Punjab Kings had scored 122 for 1 in 10.1 overs when the match in Dharamsala was halted due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

Players were transported by bus to Jalandhar in Punjab, from where they continued their journey to Delhi by train.

If only four venues are selected for the remaining 16 matches, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians will miss out on their home games.

This means the remainder of the tournament will be limited to Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Lucknow.

CSK, RR, and SRH are already out of contention, leaving seven teams vying for the four playoff spots.

Currently, Gujarat Titans lead the table with 16 points and a superior net run rate of 0.793, followed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (16 points, 0.482), Punjab Kings (15), Mumbai Indians (14), Delhi Capitals (13), Kolkata Knight Riders (11), and Lucknow Super Giants (10).