IPL 2025 to recommence

The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced that the suspended IPL season will resume from May 17 across six venues, with the final scheduled for June 3. The decision comes after the league was halted on May 8 due to a border conflict with Pakistan near Chandigarh, which led to a stadium blackout during the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals match."BCCI is pleased to announce the resumption of IPL 2025. After extensive consultations with government and security agencies, and with all the key stakeholders, the Board has decided to proceed with the remainder of the season," the board stated. 

The resumption will begin with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Kolkata Knight Riders in Bengaluru.

The revised schedule includes matches across six venues: Bengaluru, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. The playoff venues are yet to be announced.

The playoff schedule has been confirmed, with Qualifier 1 on May 29, followed by the Eliminator on May 30. Qualifier 2 will be held on June 1, leading to the final on June 3.

The restructured schedule comprises 17 matches, including two double-headers scheduled for Sundays.

The resumed IPL dates overlap with India A's tour to England, where they are scheduled to play two four-day matches against the Lions from May 30 and June 6.

This scheduling conflict poses a potential challenge as several first-choice Test players and contenders will likely be selected for the India A squad. This selection is particularly significant as it precedes the senior team's England tour beginning June 20.

The BCCI is expected to address this scheduling overlap soon, with the India A squad announcement expected in the next few days.

Some of the overseas players will also be affected, with Australia and South Africa players due to be involved in the World Test Championship final at Lord's from 11 May.