The 2025 Indian Premier League is aiming to resume later this week after a week-long suspension due to the India-Pakistan conflict. Following the ceasefire agreement between the two nations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has accelerated efforts to restart the tournament, with multiple officials confirming a likely resumption date of May 16 or 17 in Lucknow.
While the BCCI has yet to make a formal announcement, IPL franchises have been directed to begin reassembling squads and support staff, and logistical preparations are underway to salvage the remaining 16 matches of the season.
IPL set to restart in Lucknow, final may move from Eden Gardens
According to a senior IPL source, the league will likely pick up with the previously scheduled May 9 clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. “All the teams have been asked to call back their players, the tournament will resume either on May 16 or 17 in Lucknow. The final schedule will be shared tomorrow (Monday),” the source told PTI.
However, venue changes may be unavoidable. Dharamsala and Delhi have reportedly been dropped from the list of hosts. “Most likely the matches will be held at four venues and Delhi and Dharamsala won’t get to host more matches. All the equipment has already been removed from these venues,” the same source added.
While Hyderabad is expected to retain the Eliminator and Qualifier 1, Kolkata’s Eden Gardens—originally scheduled to host the final—could be replaced due to rain forecasts. “As of now there is no change in venues for the play-off stage but it seems rain can affect the final in Kolkata. In that case the final could be played in Ahmedabad,” the source revealed.
BCCI, IPL leadership emphasize urgency and coordination
With the geopolitical situation stabilizing, the BCCI is scrambling to chart a feasible path forward for the league’s conclusion. IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal acknowledged the complexity of the restart effort: “A ceasefire has been announced, and now we are looking into the possibility of resuming and completing the IPL. If it’s feasible to restart immediately, we will need to finalize details like venue arrangements and dates. Our next step is to communicate with all involved parties, including team owners, broadcasters, and other stakeholders, to figure out the best way forward. Importantly, we will also have to consult with the government.”
Rajeev Shukla, BCCI Vice-President, said that Sunday’s meetings were focused on building a restart plan. “The war has ended. Given this new situation, the BCCI office bearers, officials, and IPL governing council will hold discussions (Sunday) and make a decision. We will determine the most suitable schedule to finish the tournament.”
He further clarified that earlier options—like relocating the remainder of the tournament entirely to southern cities—are now less likely. “That was an option when war was going on. There are many options which have been discussed. The ceasefire has just been announced, give some time to us, we will discuss and then only a decision will be taken.”
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia also emphasized the importance of stakeholder alignment: “In the next few days, we will begin consultations with the franchises, broadcasters, sponsors and the state associations slated to host the remaining matches before crystallizating to a decision on the league’s resumption.” He added, “Given that the importance of IPL at this juncture, it will also be prudent and necessary to take the nod of the Government of India before finalising the time for its restart.”
Franchises mobilize as some overseas players may return
The franchises have already begun logistical planning to reassemble teams, with an unnamed top franchise official confirming to IANS: “Yes, we have been communicated about assembling our team’s players and support staff members on Tuesday. Where we have to assemble, it is yet to be known. But as of now, we have got a message from the BCCI about starting the process of assembling the team from now and have all of them by Tuesday. We will also now begin process of getting overseas players back to India at the earliest.”
Some foreign players, particularly Australians and South Africans, may face scheduling conflicts ahead of the World Test Championship final on June 11. The BCCI is reportedly weighing the addition of more double-headers to condense the schedule and accommodate availability. “We may have to add a few more double headers, But following discussions, we could try and allow teams the home advantage as much as possible,” a BCCI official told Hindustan Times.
Home advantage at risk, PBKS-DC match fate undecided
With only a handful of venues expected to host the remaining fixtures—reportedly Lucknow, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and possibly Kolkata—teams like Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals are unlikely to play remaining matches at home. The league’s effort to preserve competitive balance may be tested further as multiple playoff contenders are clustered closely on the points table.
Gujarat Titans lead with 16 points and the best net run rate (0.793), followed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (16 points), Punjab Kings (15), Mumbai Indians (14), Delhi Capitals (13), Kolkata Knight Riders (11), and Lucknow Super Giants (10). Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad have already been eliminated from contention.
Meanwhile, the status of the abandoned PBKS vs DC match remains unresolved. The game, halted during the 11th over due to heightened security threats, may either be replayed or see both teams awarded one point each.
