BCCI eyes IPL resumption in May following India-Pakistan ceasefire

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is moving quickly to resume IPL 2025 in May after a ceasefire between India and Pakistan came into effect on Saturday. 

The announcement of the ceasefire has opened the door for the return of the IPL, which was suspended last Friday due to rising tensions along the border.

"The war has stopped. In this new situation, BCCI office bearers, officials, and the IPL governing council will meet tomorrow (Sunday) to discuss the best way forward," BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla stated in an interview with PTI Videos. He added, "We will look at the best schedule to complete the tournament."

With all ten IPL franchises already in talks with their overseas players and coaching staff, plans are in motion to resume the tournament. 

According to ESPNcricinfo, the tournament could restart as early as May 15, pending approval from the Indian government.

The suspension of the IPL came after a tense escalation of India-Pakistan tensions, which led to the abandonment of the May 8 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala after just 10.1 overs. With the situation now de-escalated, the franchises are hopeful that the tournament can be back on track soon.

However, the biggest hurdle remains the return of overseas players and coaching staff. Many of them left India between Friday and Saturday, and some have been asked to return to the country as soon as possible. Certain franchises have instructed their coaching staff to postpone their travel, while others have halted the further travel plans of players who are already en route.

Gujarat Titans, however, are in a relatively better position with only two overseas players, Jos Buttler and Gerald Coetzee, having left India. The franchise is actively working to bring them back.

As the IPL moves towards a possible May restart, the issue of player availability remains a concern. Teams are optimistic that most overseas players will be able to return if the tournament resumes in mid-May, but they acknowledge the uncertainty if the season extends beyond May 25. Several players are due to join their national teams for international commitments, including the World Test Championship (WTC) final, which is set to begin on June 11 at Lord's.

Out of the original 60-match schedule, 57 matches have been completed. The remaining 12 league games and four playoff fixtures may be held in southern cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, as teams push for a place in the final. Seven teams are still in contention for a playoff spot, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) already out of the race.

As IPL fans eagerly await the green light for the tournament's return, the BCCI is focused on making the best of the current situation and ensuring a swift resumption of what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to IPL 2025.