IPL to Restart This Saturday Following Suspension Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
The Indian Premier League is set to resume this Saturday after a week-long suspension brought on by the escalating conflict between India and neighboring Pakistan. The decision to recommence the season follows the successful negotiation of a ceasefire last Saturday, which has paved the way for the tournament's continuation.
Originally, the final was scheduled for 25 May but has now been postponed to 3 June. This revised schedule means the end of the IPL will coincide with England’s upcoming white-ball series against the West Indies. Prior to the suspension, a total of 16 fixtures were pending. All these matches, along with the earlier abandoned game between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala due to a floodlight malfunction, have been rescheduled.
The remainder of the tournament will be hosted across six key venues: Bengaluru, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. In a formal announcement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated, "After extensive consultations with government and security agencies, and with all the key stakeholders, the Board has decided to proceed with the remainder of the season."
In parallel, the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which had initially been relocated to the United Arab Emirates and then postponed indefinitely, is also actively planning to reschedule its final eight matches.
While some international participants, including several players and coaches from England and Australia, exited India when the IPL was suspended, other overseas talents remained. Notably, the league leaders, Gujarat Titans, continued their training sessions over the weekend. Of the 10 English cricketers involved in the IPL, eight are under central contracts with England. It is anticipated that these players may opt to decide individually about returning to India.
Furthermore, the England and Wales Cricket Board had earlier permitted full-length participation in the tournament for these players, a move that affected selections such as all-rounder Jacob Bethell, who is consequently not included in the squad for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe. With the schedule now revised, uncertainty remains as to whether these players will be required to rejoin for the three T20s and one-day internationals against the West Indies, which are slated to commence on 29 May.
Meanwhile, all seven English players and a number of coaches from the PSL have since returned to their home countries.
The suspension of the tournament follows a series of violent incidents, including a deadly militant attack last month in Indian-administered Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 tourists. This tragic event prompted India to launch airstrikes within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, sparking several days of aerial confrontations, artillery exchanges, and accusations from both sides regarding missile strikes on military installations.
In a development that underscored the urgency of de-escalation, US President Donald Trump announced a “full and immediate” ceasefire late on Saturday, allowing the much-anticipated return of the IPL to go ahead.
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