BCCI Eyes IPL 2025 Resumption Amid Ceasefire, Awaits Government Approval

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is optimistic about restarting the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) following a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, announced on Saturday, May 10. 

The league, suspended for a week on May 9 due to escalating cross-border tensions, now hinges on government approval and consultations with key stakeholders, as the BCCI works to resume the remainder of the season.

The suspension came after a halt to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) versus Delhi Capitals (DC) match in Dharamsala on May 8, abandoned mid-way through the first innings due to air raid alerts in nearby cities, Jammu and Pathankot, among many others. With 58 matches completed and 12 league-stage games plus four playoffs remaining, the BCCI is now racing against time to resume the tournament.

Also read: BCCI Suspends IPL 2025 for One Week Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions

BCCI to Take a Call on IPL 2025 Resumption After Government’s Approval 

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia provided an update on the situation. The ceasefire, effective from 5 PM IST on May 10, has opened a window for the BCCI to explore resuming the IPL as early as May 15 or 16. However, the board is treading carefully, emphasising the need for thorough consultations and government clearance. 

"The BCCI suspended the IPL yesterday for a period of seven days, and, today, we are on the second day with five more days left. The BCCI is closely monitoring the evolving situation and developments, and will take a call on IPL resumption after consulting all stakeholders of IPL and the concerned Government authorities," Saikia said as quoted to Cricbuzz.

"In the next 48 hours, we will begin consultations with the franchises, broadcasters, sponsors and the state associations slated to host the remaining matches before crystallizing a decision on the league's resumption. 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," he added.

The BCCI is also grappling with venue decisions, having reportedly shortlisted Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad as potential hosts for the remaining matches, while ruling out Dharamsala due to ongoing security concerns.

PBKS vs DC Likely to be Replayed

The BCCI is also considering how to handle the abandoned PBKS-DC match with reports suggesting that the BCCI might favour replaying it from the start. 

Meanwhile, the board is working to align the IPL’s conclusion with the schedules of World Test Championship 2023-25 (WTC) final-bound players, aiming to wrap up the tournament before May 31 to allow sufficient preparation time for the Australia-South Africa clash at Lord’s, starting June 11.

Also read: “I'll Never Go to Pakistan Again” – Daryl Mitchell and Tom Curran Broke Down at the Airport