The IPL 2025 season is set for possible revival in May as the BCCI has earmarked Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad to host the remaining 16 matches, pending approval from the Indian government. This comes after the IPL was suspended last Friday amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
Despite the preparations, BCCI officials have acknowledged the complexities involved in resuming the tournament under the current circumstances. Franchise insiders suggest that it might be more feasible to continue the season later in the year. A major hurdle is the return of international players, many of whom are expected to have left India by the end of Saturday.
An unnamed franchise official explained, “Getting everyone back will be challenging. Many players have obligations, like the World Test Championship final, which starts on 11 June at Lord’s.”
Of the 74 planned matches, 57 have already been completed, with the latest tie between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals being abandoned after just 10.1 overs in Dharamsala. The organisers have yet to decide on replaying this match.
The IPL hopes to resume with 12 league matches and four playoff games. Initially, it was planned that Hyderabad would host the first qualifier and eliminator, while Kolkata would welcome the second qualifier and final.
Despite these challenges, optimism remains within the franchises. Many believe that the overseas players may return if the tournament resumes within May, though extending beyond the originally scheduled final on 25 May in Kolkata would likely create scheduling conflicts with other cricketing commitments.
Ricky Ponting, coach of the Punjab Kings, who was recently spotted arriving in Delhi, exemplifies the uncertainty surrounding the league’s future. IPL management is in a waiting game, hoping for stability in the region to safely resume cricket.
Nagraj Gollapudi is a news editor at ESPNcricinfo.
