IPL 2025 to Resume on May 17 After Brief Suspension

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is all set to return on May 17 after being temporarily put on hold due to a serious national security situation. The suspension followed a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which tragically claimed 26 lives. In response to this attack, India launched a military operation targeting terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, leading to heightened geopolitical tensions.

IPL 2025 to Resume on May 17 After Brief Suspension

Given the gravity of the situation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in coordination with the Indian government, decided to pause the tournament to prioritize the safety of players, support staff, and fans. Now that a ceasefire has been established, the BCCI has announced a revised schedule and confirmed that the league will resume with a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The remaining 17 matches of the season, including the playoffs and the final, will be played across six cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Jaipur. The final has been scheduled for June 3.

In light of the recent events, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has called for a more subdued atmosphere for the tournament’s return, urging organizers to forgo the usual entertainment and focus on cricket as a mark of respect for the lives lost.

Meanwhile, some international players, including Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk, have opted out of the remainder of the tournament due to personal or scheduling reasons. The BCCI is currently working with teams to manage changes in squad availability and ensure a smooth continuation of the event.

As IPL 2025 gears up to restart, the focus is expected to shift back to the sport, with fans around the world ready to enjoy the remaining matches in a more thoughtful and respectful tone.