IPL 2025 is back! BCCI asks franchises to return India by May 13

Many overseas players and support staff had departed India soon after the suspension was announced. Franchises are now working on bringing them back.

In what could be the clearest signal yet that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is on the verge of resumption, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked all franchises to return to India by Tuesday, May 13. With the league currently on a one-week pause following rising border tensions between India and Pakistan, the board is keen to get things back on track and conclude the tournament as originally scheduled by May 25.

PBKS still unclear, IPL 2025 final likely on May 25

According to the Indian Express, all franchises except the Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been verbally informed to report back to their respective venues by Tuesday. Punjab Kings, whose home base in Dharamsala was the site of last week’s abandoned game, are likely to be assigned a neutral venue due to ongoing logistical concerns.

“All franchises have been told to inform its team to report to their respective destination by Tuesday. Punjab will have a neutral venue, so their destination is yet to be confirmed. The board is planning to have more double headers so that they can finish the IPL as per its scheduled day,” a source in the Indian board confirmed to the Indian Express.

With 12 league stage matches and four playoff games remaining, time is of the essence. The board is believed to be planning multiple double headers to complete the season on time. The aim is to resume play as early as next week, contingent on security clearances and logistical approvals.

Southern venues to host rest of IPL 2025?

While the final decision on venues will depend on input from central and state governments, the BCCI is actively exploring safer alternatives in the eastern and southern regions of the country. Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata are currently the front-runners to host the remaining matches.

“A week is a long time when it comes to matters of national security,” a BCCI insider told Times of India. “But the board is chalking out contingency plans. Should the situation stabilize, original venues may still be considered.”

The temporary suspension of IPL 2025 was announced on Friday after escalating border tensions led to concerns over player safety. The match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, scheduled in Dharamsala, was called off on Thursday amid broader security fears.

Many overseas players and support staff had departed India soon after the suspension was announced. Franchises are now working on bringing them back, with the BCCI asking teams to coordinate international travel swiftly. The board has also been in touch with broadcasters, stakeholders, and government officials.