IPL 2025 Set for Mid-May Resumption, Final Anticipated on May 30th or June 1st
The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) is reportedly scheduled to resume by May 16th, following a one-week suspension triggered by heightened regional geopolitical tensions. Top officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have indicated that the tournament's final is anticipated to be held around May 30th or June 1st, with a revised schedule currently being finalized.
Resumption Plans and Schedule
According to BCCI sources, the remainder of the IPL matches will be played across multiple venues, likely four, though Dharamsala is expected to be excluded from the revised fixture list. The tournament is anticipated to restart with the match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Teams are reportedly being informed, and logistical arrangements, such as recalling players and support staff, are underway, with LSG expected to assemble by May 13th. The previously abandoned match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals is likely to be declared a no-contest, with both teams sharing a point.
Playoff Venues and Player Logistics
Tentative plans suggest Hyderabad could host Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator, while Kolkata is the likely venue for Qualifier 2 and the Final. However, Ahmedabad is being considered as an alternative venue for the final should weather conditions in Kolkata prove unfavourable. Most overseas players, who had departed for their home countries following the tournament's suspension on May 9th, are being instructed to rejoin their respective franchises.
Context of Suspension
The IPL was temporarily halted by the BCCI due to a sharp escalation in military tensions between India and Pakistan, which followed the April 22nd terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The decision to suspend was made a day after the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was abandoned midway due to air raid alerts in nearby regions.
The BCCI is actively working to ensure the smooth resumption and completion of IPL 2025 following the unforeseen interruption. Stakeholders and fans can anticipate an official announcement regarding the reworked schedule and venue confirmations in the near future, as efforts are made to bring the popular T20 league back on track.
