IPL 2025: BCCI aims at a quick resumption, asks franchises to assemble squads immediately

The IPL governing council has brought all the focus back to resuming IPL 2025 as soon as possible. Amid the growing hostility in the India-Pakistan conflict, the board suspended the ongoing season for a week on Friday, May 9. However, on Saturday, it was announced that the fighting neighbours had reached a ceasefire. The mutual agreement has resulted in the respective forces taking a step back and putting an end to the drone and missile attacks that overshadowed events from May 7 until Saturday. Now, with the possibility of a full-fledged war likely curtailed, India is expected to get on with its internal matters swiftly. Meanwhile, the BCCI is keen on resuming the remainder of IPL 2025 promptly, with an aim to wrap the season up as scheduled.

BCCI directs franchises to assemble squads by Tuesday for the timely resumption of IPL 2025

When the board announced the suspension of IPL 2025, it didn’t seem possible for the season to resume within just a week. India and Pakistan stood at loggerheads, with the erratic neighbour consistently violating the LOC and targeting civilians. India, standing up to the enemy while still holding on to their values, took aim at military bases and terrorist camps with precision. However, regardless of the approach, the action was intense, with national security at risk. Dashing predictions of a long-standing tussle, India and Pakistan reached a ceasefire on Saturday evening. With the directives now clear, there appears to be no obstacle left in the path of IPL 2025 restarting.

The BCCI has now directed the respective franchises to assemble their squads at their home venues by Tuesday, May 13. Moreover, reports indicate that the revised schedule for the remainder of the season will include more double-headers. Originally, IPL 2025 was scheduled to be wrapped up by May 25, with the final set at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. At the time of suspension, the season had 12 matches left at the league stage before the playoffs.

However, there remains a catch hindering the timely resumption of IPL 2025. Many foreign players from almost all ten franchises left for their respective countries on Friday itself. Amid security concerns and uncertainty over whether the season would resume within a week, squads disbanded as overseas players returned home. Now, the board has asked franchises to keep the council in the loop by providing updates about the return of foreign players. Moreover, Punjab Kings could be assigned a neutral venue for the rest of the season, with Dharamsala and Chandigarh under strict vigilance due to ongoing concerns.

"All franchises have been told to inform its team to report to their respective destination by Tuesday. Punjab will have a neutral venue, so their destination is yet to be confirmed. The board is planning to have more double headers so that they can finish the IPL as per its scheduled day," a source said.

Revised IPL 2025 schedule likely to be announced soon 

At the time of suspension, the board informed that a revised schedule was in the pipeline. As per the report, the remainder of IPL 2025 will be conducted at three venues, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. While attempting to bring the schedule back on track, the final could be pushed back to May 30, five days later than the originally planned date. Moreover, the revised IPL 2025 schedule is set to be announced on Sunday evening, while the franchises pursue their foreign picks for a timely return.

“As the IPL was suspended for a week, there is a possibility of the IPL final now being played on May 30 instead of May 25 with limited venues. The schedule will be sent to all IPL teams by tonight,” source in the BCCI informed.

With the World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa scheduled to begin at Lord's on June 11, the participation of players from both nations beyond May 25 remains in doubt. The IPL 2025 season was officially put on hold following the unexpected halt of the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals clash in Dharamsala, which was called off during the first innings due to rising tensions. However, in a recent development on Saturday, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal indicated that following the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, the BCCI is actively exploring the possibility of restarting the tournament without delay.