The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has surprised everyone by hinting that the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) might restart much sooner than expected. After announcing the suspension of the IPL 2025 for one week due to the India-Pakistan war, there were reports that the remaining matches would be pushed to the August or September window.
But at the moment, the BCCI is looking to wrap up the remainder of the IPL 2025 season by the end of May itself. As reported by Cricbuzz, the Indian cricket board is not planning a long delay. If the situation at the border calms down in the next few days, the BCCI is ready to bring the tournament back with a fast-tracked schedule.
BCCI eyes IPL 2025 return before May ends amid India-Pakistan tensions
The board has reportedly locked its sights on a tight 12-day schedule to complete the season, depending on whether tensions at the border ease in the next few days. The idea is to finish the 16 remaining matches in just 12 days, possibly with back-to-back doubleheaders.
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Meanwhile, the final call to suspend the IPL 2025 was made during a short online meeting of the Governing Council on Friday morning, May 9. It is also being said that the central government was also involved in the decision, considering the intense situation on the border.
One big concern is the availability of foreign players for the remaining matches of this season. Many of them have already left or are planning to return home. If the IPL 2025 resumes quickly, it’s not clear whether they will come back. The board has left that decision to the individual franchises.
BCCI rules out August or September window for IPL 2025 return
The report further revealed that the BCCI is not planning to shift the remaining IPL 2025 matches to August or September. In August, India’s tour of Bangladesh clashes with England’s The Hundred, and if that happens, nine English players from different teams would miss the rest of the matches.
On the other hand, September overlaps with the Caribbean Premier League 2025 (CPL 2025), and this will impact eight players’ decisions. However, the CPL has shifted its schedule in the past to help the IPL, but the Indian cricket board isn’t looking that far ahead. For now, the focus is on completing the IPL 2025 within this month if conditions improve.
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‘There is nothing greater than the nation’
Earlier, in a statement, the board had stated, “The Board of Control for Cricket in India has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing TATA IPL 2025 with immediate effect for one week.”
The BCCI said the country’s safety and unity are more important than cricket. The board added, “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 supporting all efforts that safeguard India and will always align its decisions in the best interest of the nation.”
