Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
On Friday, May 9, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially suspended the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 amid the escalating cross-broder tensions between India and Pakistan. Moreover, the decision by the Indian cricket board came a day after the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abruptly called off due to security concerns in Dharamsala and even the spectators and teams were flown out of the stadium.
"The remainder of the ongoing #TATAIPL 2025 suspended with immediate effect for one week,” IPL’s official X handle wrote. “The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans ; while the BCCI reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the Board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders,” they further added.
Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad among front-runners to host remainder of IPL 2025: Reports
However, this decision followed the high-stakes meeting involving top brass of the BCCI, it is now being reported that the IPL General Council has proposed a list of five venues for the completion of the remainder of the tournament. As per a report by The Indian Express, BCCI is looking to host the remaining matches in the cash-rich league across five venues, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata. Meanwhile, a report in ESPNcricinfo added that the BCCI is speculating to host the tournament across three venues in Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad.
It is to be noted that these areas are not close to the areas affected by the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Moreover, the report also claims that a two-week window will be not be enough to finish the tournament and will therefore look to resume presumably in September. With 58 matches already completed in the tournament, and only 16 matches left to decide the winner of the IPL 2025, it has to be seen where the tournament will be held going forward.
