The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in a holding pattern as it awaits formal approval from the Indian government to resume the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, which was suspended last week amid escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.
With a ceasefire now in effect, the BCCI has moved quickly to initiate consultations with all key stakeholders and chart a path forward for the tournament’s resumption.
Background: IPL 2025 Suspension and Ceasefire
- The IPL 2025 season was abruptly suspended for seven days on Friday following the escalation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, with the suspension announced after a match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dharamsala was called off mid-way.
- The situation changed rapidly on Saturday as India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire, opening a window for the BCCI to consider restarting the tournament.
BCCI’s Immediate Steps
- The BCCI has scheduled a series of meetings over the next 48 hours with all IPL stakeholders, including franchises, broadcasters, sponsors, and state associations, to gather input and discuss the logistics of resuming the league.
- BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board is monitoring the situation closely and will make a final decision only after consulting both stakeholders and relevant government authorities.
- The IPL Governing Council is expected to convene on Sunday (May 11) to further discuss the roadmap for the remaining matches.
Government Approval: The Decisive Factor
- While the BCCI is eager to restart the IPL “immediately,” officials have stressed that the final call rests with the central government, given the league’s national significance and the recent security concerns.
- IPL chairman Arun Dhumal and vice-president Rajeev Shukla have both emphasized that government clearance is essential before finalizing venues and dates for the remaining fixtures.
What’s Left in IPL 2025?
- Sixteen matches remain in the season: 12 league games and 4 playoff encounters.
- Venues in southern and western India-such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad-are being considered as frontrunners to host the remaining matches, given their logistical readiness and security infrastructure.
Possible Timeline for Resumption
- If the government nod is received promptly, the IPL could resume as early as Thursday or Friday of the coming week, though the BCCI may opt to wait a few extra days to ensure all safety and logistical concerns are addressed.
- All franchises and players have been asked to stay ready, with the BCCI aiming to announce the official restart date soon after completing consultations.
“Given 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. BCCI will duly announce the date of IPL restart once the whole process is over in due course of time.” – BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia.
