The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is on the verge of finalising plans to resume the suspended Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, with a crucial meeting of the IPL Governing Council slated for Monday afternoon. A formal announcement is expected later in the day.
A total of 16 matches — including the four knockout play-off fixtures — remain to be played after the season was abruptly paused last week due to unforeseen circumstances.
According to sources, the BCCI has drawn up three possible frameworks to conclude the season. The first option retains the tournament’s original home-and-away format, albeit possibly excluding Dharamsala as a venue. The other two proposals focus on consolidating the matches at a reduced number of venues in South India, with Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai emerging as the front-runners to host the remaining fixtures.
Although the respective state associations have yet to receive formal communication, the governing body is understood to be moving swiftly behind the scenes. Franchises, meanwhile, have reportedly been advised informally to regroup at their respective bases without delay, with the resumption tentatively eyed for May 16 or 17.
The Governing Council, despite not having an official notice yet, can be convened at short notice. The precedent was set during the suspension meeting last week, which was called and concluded within 15 minutes.
Logistical and operational considerations appear to weigh heavily in favour of restricting the tournament to fewer venues. Centralising the matches would not only simplify arrangements but also mitigate potential risks associated with extensive travel across the country under the prevailing circumstances.
However, there remains uncertainty over the availability of overseas players, many of whom left India amid last week’s developments. While their return seems doubtful at this stage, the BCCI is resolute in its aim to complete the season — even if it means proceeding without full foreign participation.
In an extraordinary and evolving situation, the immediate priority for Indian cricket’s administrators is clear: steer the 2025 IPL to a safe and conclusive finish.
