Overseas players return home as IPL 2025 awaits revised schedule

The rise in tension between India and Pakistan, which peaked on May 8, pushed the IPL governing council to suspend the ongoing season for a week. With shelling along the border states and the erratic neighbour attempting drone attacks, the PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 match was abandoned in Dharamsala. Meanwhile, as the conflict edged toward the point of being declared a war, the board announced the suspension of IPL 2025 on May 9. Now, as the governing council searches for the next available slot to conduct the remainder of IPL 2025, the foreign players are leaving for their respective countries.

In a recent report, it was stated that the BCCI has shortlisted Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad as the grounds to host the remaining matches of the season. Awaiting a nod from the Government of India, the BCCI remains keen to wrap up the season on time, as scheduled earlier. However, as tension looms over national security, the foreign players are acting swiftly on their travel plans. Meanwhile, if IPL 2025 resumes after a week, it remains to be seen whether the foreign players will return to India in time.

Foreign players return home despite the chances of IPL 2025 resuming timely

On Thursday, the PBKS vs DC at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala was abruptly halted due to heightened security risks. The development came shortly after missile activity was reported and intercepted in Jammu, roughly 200 kilometers from the venue. In response, stadium floodlights were cut, the crowd was quickly evacuated, and emergency protocols were enacted. The BCCI also had to urgently arrange for the safe transport of players from both teams, as well as the broadcast personnel, out of Dharamsala.

By Friday, the situation had led to the IPL 2025 season being officially paused for one week. Reports suggest the final call on the tournament's future will depend on how the situation unfolds in the coming days. Meanwhile, uncertainty looms even larger as several overseas cricketers are said to be heading back to their home countries. The report also mentioned that the BCCI has asked all ten IPL franchises to keep their squads and staff on standby for a possible resumption within the week.

Our players and extended staff have safely returned to Bengaluru and are now homebound to their respective cities and countries. 🙌

We’re deeply grateful for the swift coordination and support from the BCCI, local authorities, and the police who made this possible. 🙏🇮🇳… pic.twitter.com/8IatIo5Wwl

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 10, 2025

IPL 2025 isn’t the only competition affected amid the current conflict. The Pakistan Super League 2025 has also been postponed and relocated to the UAE. However, amid reports of UAE declining to host the PSL, the PCB has yet to announce the revised dates and venues for the remaining fixtures. Meanwhile, RCB confirmed that their players have left safely. Moreover, Dewald Brevis also put up a parting post, expressing to be excited for a return.