source : BCCI
After a tense pause in play, IPL 2025 is all set to roar back on May 17, with the final now scheduled for June 3. The BCCI confirmed the revised schedule late Monday, ending days of speculation following the tournament’s abrupt halt due to cross-border tensions. The restart will feature 17 matches, including two double-headers, across six venues Bengaluru, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
The decision to shift matches away from original home grounds has stirred mixed reactions. Punjab Kings, still in strong playoff contention, have taken the biggest hit, losing their Dharamsala fortress and relocating to Jaipur. Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad also won’t return home this season, though both are already out of the playoff race. The league resumes with RCB vs KKR in Bengaluru, a high-octane clash expected to reignite the playoff battle.
The playoffs begin on May 29 with Qualifier 1, followed by the Eliminator on May 30 and Qualifier 2 on June 1. The grand finale will take place on June 3, though the venue is yet to be confirmed. With tight turnarounds and neutral venues, the final stretch promises drama, unpredictability, and an even playing field. PBKS vs DC on May 24 will be a complete do-over of their abandoned May 8 game, offering crucial points in the playoff race.
Player availability remains a looming concern, especially with the England-West Indies ODI series clashing directly with the IPL playoffs. West Indies stars like Shepherd, Joseph, and Rutherford may miss key matches, while England’s lineup could also be affected if players like Buttler or Salt are called up. Add the looming WTC Final and India A tour to the mix, and scheduling has become a real test of logistics and stamina.
But for now, the focus returns to cricket. Teams must quickly regroup, bring back overseas players, and recalibrate strategies. With the table still wide open and 13 league games left, every match is a virtual knockout. As the countdown begins, IPL fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief the league’s biggest chapter is about to be written.
