The Indian Premier League will restart this week after both India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire after days of conflict. The first game of the re-started season will be played on May 17, Saturday in Bengaluru with Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Kolkata Knight Riders.
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“A total of 17 matches will be played in six venues starting May 17, 2025, and culminating in the final on June 3, 2025. The revised schedule includes two double-headers, which will be played on two Sundays,” the official statement from the BCCI read.
Last week, The Indian Express had reported that the BCCI was planning to extend the ongoing season of the IPL till May 30. The BCCI had asked all the teams, except Punjab Kings, to report to their respective venues by Tuesday so that the IPL can restart its season by Friday. The BCCI also has informed the franchises to intimate their foreign players about their travel plans. Monday saw the reopening of all 32 Indian airports, including the ones at Chandigarh and Dharamsala, that were closed due to the conflict.
IPL 2025 was abruptly suspended last week with the clash between Punjab Kings and the Delhi Capitals abandoned after 10.1 overs in the first innings. The game will replayed from the start. There were dramatic scenes witnessed at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala as players of PBKS and DC, team and match officials and spectators were evacuated with urgency. The Indian Express had also reported how some players had reached their hotels with their batting pads still on them.
Security personnel guarding at the HPCA Stadium on the eve of the IPL Match between Punjab KIngs and Delhi Capitals at Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday. Express Photo by Rohit Jain Paras
The BCCI had initially suspended the league by a week. “While cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing greater than the Nation and its sovereignty, integrity, and security of our country. The BCCI remains firmly committed to support all efforts that safeguard India and will always align its decisions in the best interest of the nation,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had said in a statement.
He added: “The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans; while the BCCI reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the Board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders. At this critical juncture, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation. We express our solidarity with the Government of India, the Armed Forces and the people of our country. The Board salutes the bravery, courage, and selfless service of our armed forces, whose heroic efforts under Operation Sindoor continue to protect and inspire the nation, as they lead a resolute response to the recent terrorist attack and the unwarranted aggression by Pakistan’s armed forces.”
