The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking for ways to continue the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, which has been postponed for a week due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Following the sudden cancellation of the Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals game at Dharamsala due to an exigency, the suspension went into effect on May 9. Player safety, logistics, and the general geopolitical situation were all taken into consideration when the decision was made to end the game.
Before finalising the next judgement, the BCCI has been closely monitoring happenings in the aftermath.
Plans are already being discussed, though. The board is thinking of holding the remaining IPL games in locations like Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru that are thought to be reasonably safe and logistically possible, according to sources cited by The Times of India.
In these kinds of situations, a week is a long time. The board is drawing up a backup plan. However, preliminary indications suggest that if the IPL resumes next week, the BCCI is taking into account the remaining games in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata. According to a source cited by Inside Sport, “the board might also retain the original venues if things de-escalate at the border.”
The rest of the 2025 IPL will be hosted by England.
With 12 league games and four playoff matches left in the tournament, there is a sense of urgency to finish it not only for the broadcasters and sponsors, but also because of the busy international schedule. India will begin a five-match Test series in England on June 20.
Notably, the BCCI has apparently been contacted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), who are suggesting that the UK host the remaining IPL 2025 matches.
The notion was also discussed openly by former England captain Michael Vaughan, who thought it would be a sensible decision considering the Indian team’s impending England tour.
The UK thinks it might offer a safe and impartial location if India’s security issues persist. But moving the IPL overseas would come with scheduling and logistical challenges, particularly since the Asia Cup and India’s monsoon season are quickly coming.