IPL 2025 Likely To Start on May 16: BCCI Prepares Three Possible Draft Schedules

After the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is likely to commence after a one-week suspension, either on May 16 (Friday) or May 17 (Saturday).

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has drafted three versions to easily conclude the remaining fixtures of the tournament by the last week of May or the first week of June.

However, the Indian cricket board waits for the final decision of the government and security clearances. The de-escalation of the Indo-Pak war paves the way for the tournament’s resumption across four shortlisted venues in India to simplify the logistical complexities.

The overseas players, who fled from the nation during the border tensions, are less likely to return to the nation to fulfill their commitments.

What are the Shortlisted Venues to host the remaining matches of IPL 2025?

BCCI shortlisted Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai as the guaranteed venues to host the remaining matches of IPL 2025, with Kolkata being the fourth option.

However, the possibility of the matches being affected at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, prompts the organizers to choose any other venue in southern India. As a result, Vizag seems to be a promising option to host Kolkata’s matches in league phases and playoffs, which includes the final as well.

BCCI Three Drafted Schedule to Host IPL 2025

Here is how BCCI drafted the remaining fixtures of IPL 2025 to avoid the risk of spreading the league all over the nation:

First Plan: Traditional Home and Away Venues (Excluding Dharamshala)

According to this plan, the matches will be played at the conventional home and away venues, excluding Dharamshala for logistical or security reasons.

Second and Third Plan: Limiting the Number of Venues

The other two strategies include the reduced venue model, which focuses on the main cities in South India, such as Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru.

Even though there are reports for the league to restart with limited venue options, the strategies are still being considered. Moreover, none of the state cricket associations received any official confirmation from the BCCI so far.

It is to be noted that BCCI’s three draft scheduled for IPL 2025 is under discussion. The final decision will be made based on operational effectiveness, high security measures, and instructions from the central and state governments.

While the confirmation of the new plan is expected to start within a few hours, the IPL and BCCI managements have instructed the franchises to assemble at their respective home venues at the earliest possible time.

When Will IPL 2025 Restart? Exact Start and Completion Dates

It is reported that the BCCI will announce the exact schedule either by Monday night (May 12) or Tuesday (May 13). Possibly, the opening match could start with a double-header contest, and the final is expected to be played on May 31 or June 1.

No Compulsion for Overseas Players

Even after the ceasefire, the overseas players are unlikely to return after the IPL 2025 resumes. This is because of their limited time availability to prepare themselves for their upcoming national duties.

However, there is no compulsion for foreigners to fulfill their IPL contracts if they have departed from the country, citing security issues. Nevertheless, the league is certain to proceed without those who are unwilling to return. Players like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Heinrich Klaasen, and many others are uncertain to take part in the remaining phases of the tournament.

Remaining Fixtures in IPL 2025 and Contenders for the Playoffs Race

Out of 74 games, these are the remaining fixtures of the IPL 2025 (13 league phases and 4 playoffs), including the final match were supposed to be completed by May 25, as per the earlier schedule:

However, none of the teams have officially qualified for the playoffs. Punjab Kings (PBKS) could have become the first side to qualify for the next stages of the tournament if they had won the match against Delhi Capitals (DC) that was abandoned due to security reasons.

With four playoff spots remaining, the suspended matches hold great significance for the seven teams that are still in the contention for the playoff race.

Also Read: IPL 2025: List of IPL Captains Penalized for Slow Overrate Offense ft.Hardik Pandya