ECB offers help to host the remainder of IPL 2025 as India-Pakistan tensions flare up

In light of the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict and with national security at risk, the governing council has suspended IPL 2025 for one week. While the IPL council highlighted their belief in the Indian armed forces with respect to their assurance of security, the season was suspended in support of the forces. Meanwhile, Pakistan has postponed the ongoing PSL after the UAE apparently denied hosting their remaining matches. As IPL 2025 observes the week-long suspension, the foreign players have disbanded from their respective franchises and are set to return to their homes. Amidst the ongoing events, the England and Wales Cricket Board has offered help to the BCCI to host the remainder of IPL 2025 in England.

ECB offers to help host the remained of IPL 2025 as the league observes a week-long suspension amid India-Pakistan conflict

Following the events with a practical approach, it seems difficult for IPL 2025 to continue within a week. As players begin to exit, England has put itself forward as a potential host for the tournament’s remaining fixtures, should the BCCI opt for relocation. On Friday, ECB chief executive Richard Gould expressed the board’s willingness to accommodate the rest of the league in the UK if necessary.

“We will help our counterparts at the BCCI where we can,” he said as quoted by English media outlet Mail Online.

IPL 2025 was brought to a halt on Friday after tensions escalated along the India-Pakistan border, leading to military action and air raid alerts near Dharamsala during the PBKS vs DC match. With the situation growing volatile, the league officially postponed the final 12 group stage games along with the entire playoff stage. The official statement, furthermore, specified that an updated schedule would be shared following a thorough review with all concerned parties and authorities.

This wouldn't be the first time the IPL has gone overseas. In 2009, the tournament was shifted to South Africa due to India’s general elections, and in 2020 and 2021, the UAE played host during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. England would present new logistical hurdles but could also serve as a convenient transitionm especially with the Indian Test squad already preparing for the India Tour of England starting in June.

Adding to the timing, players from Australia and South Africa are also scheduled to arrive in England for the ICC World Test Championship final, set to take place from June 11 to 15. According to reports, several of the ten English players involved in this year’s IPL, including Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, and Jacob Bethell, booked outbound flights from India late Thursday. Some chose to travel to Dubai instead, hoping to bide their time and evaluate next steps based on how the situation unfolds.

Originally slated for a May 25 final in Kolkata, IPL 2025 now faces a delay that would shift the tournament into June, a window that coincides with England’s own cricket commitments. Despite the scheduling overlap, the ECB remains confident in its ability to manage both international fixtures and any potential IPL hosting duties without disruption.