The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 could return faster than expected, as twelve matches are still left to decide the outcome of the 18th season.
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Fans are waiting with bated breath for the restart of this year's IPL after it was suspended on Thursday, May 8, due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
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It all started with the match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) getting called off midway through the first innings due to floodlighting issues and the venue, Dharamshala, being in close proximity to the conflict areas.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suspended the tournament for a week, citing an escalation in tensions between the two nations post India's response to the Pahalgam attacks on April 22.
However, there's some good news regarding the IPL resuming quickly.
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IPL 2025 set for mid-May restart, pending government approval
With twelve games still left to play, including the playoffs, the IPL is expected to resume sooner than expected. According to multiple reports, the IPL is slated for a mid-May return, around the 15th or 16th of the month.
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While the board members have maintained profound silence regarding this matter, a source close to the developments have informed the Hindustan Times about the same.
Speaking to the Hindustan Times, a source said, "The franchises have been asked to touch base with their overseas players and ask them to travel back to India as soon as possible. The details around the schedule are being worked out, and a final call will be taken soon."
Keeping in mind the logistical challenges, the finale of this season might be pushed ahead. A handful of foreign players have made their way back home, and it will take at least four to five days for them to return to their respective franchises. However, everything depends on the approval of the government of India.
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BCCI President Devajit Saikia mentioned that the board is closely monitoring the current situation and will take a call only after consulting all the stakeholders of the cash-rich league.
Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Saikia said, "The BCCI suspended the IPL on Friday for a period of seven days, and today, we are on the third 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."
He further mentioned that talks will be held with all the franchises, broadcasters, sponsors, and state associations before taking a call on the resumption of the IPL.
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"In the next days, we will begin consultations with the franchises, broadcasters, sponsors and the state associations slated to host the remaining matches before crystallising a decision on the league's resumption."
Saikia stressed the fact that the most important factor in the resumption of the 18th season will be the approval from the government of India, as necessary steps can only be undertaken when certain permissions are granted. He also mentioned that the BCCI will announce the restart date of the IPL in due time.
"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."