BCCI Asks IPL Teams to Assemble Their Teams by Tuesday, Tournament Set to Resume in a Week

The BCCI has reportedly told IPL teams to gather by May 13th to restart the suspended 2025 season after a week of border tensions.

BCCI Asks IPL Teams to Assemble Their Teams by Tuesday, Tournament Set to Resume in a Week

The BCCI has informed teams to regroup, ahead of the resumption of the 2025 IPL season. (via NDTV)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly instructed franchises to assemble their teams by 13th May, for the resumption of the 2025 IPL season. The decision comes days after the season was suspended for a week, amid escalating border tensions between India and Pakistan. 

Both India and Pakistan were on the brink of a full-scale armed conflict, after India attacked terrorist infrastructure in its neighboring country, in retaliation of the 22nd April Pahalgam attack. Pakistan reacted to India’s counter-strikes by initiating an offensive against the Indian armed forces. This intense exchange led to a widespread disruption of significant activities in both the neighboring countries.

The Indian Premier League was one such casualty, with the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council on Friday, deciding to suspend the tournament for a week amidst the growing tensions. The BCCI’s decision to suspend the IPL was prompted by public criticism regarding its continuation amidst the volatile situation, alongside the abrupt cancellation of the Punjab Kings versus Delhi Capitals match on May 8th.

Following the announcement of a mutual ceasefire and cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, the BCCI has quickly started working towards completing the remainder of the 2025 IPL season by the end of May. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla stated that the board intends to resume the IPL after discussions with the Indian government and all relevant stakeholders.

Secretary Devajit Saikia added that the board has been holding meetings to devise a plan for the rest of the season, which has 16 matches remaining, and to finalize the new schedule after its resumption. The BCCI has reportedly instructed the ten IPL franchises to have their players and staff back in India by Tuesday, May 13th, with the intention of restarting the season after a one-week pause.

The teams are currently working to recall their overseas players, after many of them left for their home countries due to the cross-border tensions. With 12 league matches yet to be played, the BCCI is planning to resume the tournament with doubleheaders, scheduling two matches per day. All franchises except Punjab Kings have been asked to communicate the new travel arrangements to their overseas players.

Meanwhile, a plan is being chalked out for the reminder of the matches to be played at only three venues. The BCCI has reportedly shortlisted the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, and the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad as potential venues for the rest of the IPL season, including the final, which was originally scheduled to be held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

Nonetheless, the resumption of the 2025 IPL season marks the normalization of the war-like situation that prevailed in India for over a week. Upon its restart, the play-offs race is expected to heat up, as several teams are all vying for a top-four finish this season.

Australian stars unlikely to return after the resumption of 2025 IPL season, amidst security concerns

Overseas players in the IPL have been left in a muddle, after the BCCI is considering the resumption of the 2025 season, which was suspended due to the India-Pakistan border conflict. The BCCI has reportedly instructed the franchises to regroup for the remainder of the tournament.

Australian players IPL return
Australian players remain doubtful over returning to play in the IPL, after its resumption. (via ESPN Cricinfo)

Many Australian stars, including Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood, have already departed India, owing to security concerns. A recent report highlighted the doubt surrounding the return of Aussie players this season, noting that they were significantly disturbed by the recent conflict. Furthermore, Australian participation in the upcoming World Test Championship final, as come up as a hindrance.

Therefore, it remains to be seen what lies ahead for many of the overseas stars and their franchises. For those overseas players who have not yet left India, their franchises have put their return plans on hold, as they await further developments.