IPL 2025 Re Start: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed all the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchisees except Punjab Kings to call their players to the respective places on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. This instruction is a sign of preparations to resume the IPL 2025 season. The decision has been taken after the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan on Saturday, 10 May 2025, which has reduced the tension between the two countries and paved the way for the league to resume.
The BCCI aims to complete the remaining 12 league matches and 4 playoff matches in the original schedule till 25 May 2025, for which the number of double header (two matches a day) will now be increased. The IPL had to stop suddenly after 57 matches, when tension on the India-Pakistan border increased. On 8 May, the 58th match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala was canceled due to failure of security concerns and floodlights. After this, many foreign players and support staff left India, but now franchisees are coordinating their return.
The BCCI has verbally informed all teams to be ready for a new framework. Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad have been shortlisted as possible places of the remaining matches, but the government approval remains for this. The location for Punjab Kings has not been fixed, and they have to play matches on the neutral venue (neutral ground). According to the BCCI source, “All franchisees have been asked to ask their players to report to the designated places by Tuesday. The Punjab team will get a neutral venue, which is not yet decided. The board is planning a more double header to complete the IPL on the scheduled time.”
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal said about the readiness to resume the league, “The ceasefire has just been announced. Now our endeavor is that we can immediately start the IPL again and finish 3. We will plan further in consultation with the government, team owners and broadcasters.” BCCI’s activism involves interaction with franchise officials. They are optimistic about recalling foreign players, although their availability remains a challenge as many important players from Australia and South Africa will participate in the World Test Championship finals to be held from 11 to 15 June 2025.
BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla said that the final decision will be taken after a meeting with the IPL Governing Council and government officials on Sunday, May 11, 2025. The BCCI is estimated to lose around ₹ 125 crore per match from the IPL adjournment. Fans and players, including names like Virat Kohli, have supported the BCCI to prioritize national security, expressing solidarity with the Indian Army. The board is now busy finalizing logistics and its main focus is to ensure the safety of the players and to organize the remaining matches in a safe environment. For this, the plains of South India are being considered suitable, so that the 18th IPL season can be done on time.
