The Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) is set to restart on May 16 following a week-long suspension due to heightened India-Pakistan cross-border tensions, according to a report by The Indian Express.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has devised a plan to conclude the tournament with a revised schedule, potentially extending the final from May 25 to May 30, utilising limited venues and incorporating double-headers to complete the remaining 12 league matches and four playoff games.
The IPL 2025 suspension that was announced on May 9, triggered by security concerns, came after the abandonment of the match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dharamsala on May 8, due to air raid alerts and blackout.
Also read: BCCI to Plot IPL 2025 Comeback in Sunday Meeting After India-Pakistan Ceasefire Announcement
BCCI Working on Revised IPL 2025 Schedule, Three Venues to Host Remaining Matches
With a recent ceasefire announcement providing an opportunity to resume, the BCCI is moving to reorganize the tournament, focusing on Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad as primary venues. Several reports had already suggested that the BCCI was looking at these venues to host the remaining IPL 2025 matches.
"As the IPL was suspended for a week, there is a possibility of the IPL final now being played on May 30 instead of May 25 with limited venues. The schedule will be sent to all IPL teams by tonight," a BCCI source said as quoted to The Indian Express.
The new schedule, expected to be shared with franchises by Sunday night, will leverage double-headers, afternoon matches at 3:30 PM IST and evening games at 7:30 PM IST, to fit the remaining fixtures into a tight window.
The BCCI has also issued directives to franchises except the Punjab Kings to reassemble their squads at their respective venues by Tuesday.
"All franchises have been told to inform its team to report to their respective destination by Tuesday," a source informed.
The BCCI is coordinating with franchises to ensure the return of overseas players, many of whom left India during the suspension, amidst concerns about their availability. CSK, as informed by their CEO Kasi Viswanathan, have already directed the overseas players to return to India.
IPL 2025 Playoff Race: Who's Out and Who’s In?
Three teams, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), have been eliminated from the IPL 2025 playoff race.
Seven teams remain in contention for the four playoff spots, with Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) leading at 16 points each, needing just one win to qualify. Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings, with 14 and 15 points, are strong contenders,
Delhi Capitals, with 13 points, are also very much in the reckoning. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with 11 points and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) with 10 points face tougher paths, needing multiple wins and other results to go their way.
Also read: BCCI Eyes IPL 2025 Resumption Amid Ceasefire, Awaits Government Approval
