Courtesy: ECB/BCCI/IPL
In an unprecedented move, it is being reported that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has proposed to host the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 following its abrupt one week suspension in India. The disruption came in the wake of rising tensions between India and Pakistan, which led to logistical and security concerns in the subcontinent. As the IPL stands as one of the most commercially significant cricket leagues globally, stakeholders are keen to ensure its smooth completion.
The proposal includes hosting the final 12 league-stage matches along with the playoffs in September, a window that opens up in England after the conclusion of The Hundred tournament on August 31. Venues such as Lord’s, The Oval, and Edgbaston are being considered as potential hosts. Though the ECB has yet to receive a formal request from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), it has expressed its readiness to support the IPL in any feasible manner.
Previous instances of IPL being relocated to other countries
However, logistical challenges remain. September is already crowded in the international cricket calendar, with the Asia Cup scheduled and India set to tour Bangladesh. Additionally, the ICC Women’s World Cup is also slated for that month, raising concerns about broadcasting rights and player availability. Security, travel, and accommodation logistics for teams and support staff will require meticulous coordination between the ECB, BCCI, and local authorities.
This wouldn’t be the first time the IPL has been relocated. The league was shifted to South Africa in 2009 and to the UAE in 2014 and 2020 due to Indian general elections and the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. These past relocations were executed successfully, setting a precedent for similar moves. If approved, this relocation could mark a historic chapter in IPL history and further globalize the league’s reach.
