EXPLAINED | How IPL 2025 could evolve when it resumes after suspension

The IPL 2025 was on Friday suspended for one week in light of the intensifying military standoff between India and Pakistan. The decision follows a growing wave of uncertainty that began with the abrupt cancellation of Thursday`s match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala, which was halted mid-innings due to air raid alerts in the nearby regions of Jammu and Pathankot.

“The tournament has been suspended for a week. The next decision will be taken after assessing the situation,” said IPL chairman Arun Dhumal.

Although official confirmation regarding the restart and specific details of IPL 2025`s resumption are still awaited from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL committee, the league could undergo significant changes when it resumes after a one-week hiatus, driven by the ongoing cross-border tensions.

One of the major points of concern will be determining the venue for the remainder of the tournament. While the BCCI would ideally prefer to hold the matches in India, contingency options will likely be explored due to the volatile security situation. Former England captain Michael Vaughan proposed on Friday that the remainder of IPL 2025 could be moved to the UK, suggesting that Indian players could continue their stay for the upcoming Test series against England, scheduled to begin on June 20.

I wonder if it’s possible to finish the IPL in the UK .. We have all the venues and the Indian players can then stay on for the Test series .. Just a thought ?

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 9, 2025

As it stands, the UAE appears to be a strong candidate to host the remaining matches. The region has previously served as the venue for IPL 2020 and part of the 2021 edition, and its recent hosting of India’s matches during the 2025 Champions Trophy, originally scheduled in Pakistan, only strengthens the UAE`s case as a potential home for the tournament`s resumption.

Having said that, the most viable window for resumption seems to be between late August and early September. After the conclusion of India’s five-match Test series against England on August 4, the team is also scheduled to tour Bangladesh in the latter part of the month. Additionally, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the Asia Cup, which was originally set for September. It is then possible that the Indian team may also forgo its planned tour to Bangladesh, further solidifying the August-September window as the most feasible option for IPL’s resumption.

A critical issue for the franchises will be the availability of overseas players, many of whom will have national commitments during this period. Notably, teams from England, West Indies, South Africa, and Australia will be engaged in bilateral series during the window.

For example, South Africa’s tours to Australia (Aug 10-24) and England (Sept 2-14) will overlap with the IPL`s potential restart. This could lead to teams making additional replacement signings to cover the gaps left by unavailable foreign stars. Moreover, some players who were replaced earlier in the season due to injuries may now be fit again, but the IPL`s strict regulations on player replacements will prevent their return to the same season.

This article first appeared on Mid Day