In a major development aimed at reviving the remainder of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL Governing Council have reportedly asked all franchises to assemble their full-strength squads. The league, which had been suspended mid-way due to geopolitical tensions and logistical hurdles, is now poised for a potential restart on May 16.
This directive from the top governing bodies comes as the BCCI works behind the scenes to finalize the logistical and operational aspects of resuming the league. With just 16 matches left to be played — including crucial playoff fixtures — the BCCI is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the completion of this season under a tightened timeline. Franchises have been told to ensure that their domestic and international players return to India and join the bio-secure bubbles well before the proposed restart.
The suspension of the tournament had come at a critical stage, just as teams were gearing up for the final playoff push. With the season split unexpectedly, team momentum and player form took a backseat. Now, with the resumption window in sight, franchises are racing against time to reassemble their squads and prepare them for the intense battle ahead. Team managements are reportedly in touch with players, support staff, and logistics teams to make sure travel, quarantine protocols, and match-readiness are all managed seamlessly.
A few franchises have expressed concerns over the availability of overseas players. The overlapping international calendar, especially with preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup, has raised questions about whether all international stars will be able to participate in the final leg of the IPL. However, most teams remain optimistic and are working on alternatives in case any major player is unable to join the camp in time. The BCCI, too, is reportedly in dialogue with various cricket boards around the world to facilitate the participation of international players.
The revised schedule is expected to include multiple double-headers to ensure that the tournament wraps up before the end of May. With the current timeline, organizers aim to conduct the remaining fixtures in a tight window of 10 days. This format, although challenging, is not unfamiliar to players and teams, many of whom have previously navigated compressed tournament schedules.
The proposed venues for the resumption are also under consideration, with four cities likely to host the matches in an effort to minimize travel and maintain bio-bubble integrity. The final and eliminator matches are expected to be held at the originally designated stadiums, keeping the prestige and ceremonial significance of the closing stages intact.
The BCCI’s initiative to resume IPL 2025 is being viewed as a strong statement of intent — both from a sporting and commercial standpoint. With fans eager for the action to resume, the return of the IPL will also serve as a significant morale boost for the cricketing community.