Overseas cricketers in the IPL 2025 have reportedly been requested to return as the league approaches its resumption.
BCCI Plans to Resume IPL 2025 Amid Security Concerns
Overseas Players to Rejoin Teams as IPL Resumption Nears
Following the temporary suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to the escalating security situation between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has started preparing for the league’s resumption. Several overseas players had left India when the tournament was paused over safety concerns, but now, the BCCI has initiated efforts to bring these stars back.
As per reports, the BCCI and IPL franchises have begun reaching out to international players, with the hope of resuming the league soon, pending final approval from the Indian government. Sources suggest that the IPL may restart around May 15, assuming all plans go forward as expected.
Efforts to Reintegrate Overseas Players Amid Ongoing Security Reviews
The resumption of the IPL hinges largely on the return of international players, especially for the 10 franchises that had already faced disruptions. For some teams, a significant number of players were unable to leave India due to a ceasefire agreement between the two nations.
Gujarat Titans, one of the most successful teams this season, had only two overseas players—Jos Buttler and Gerald Coetzee—leave the country. Efforts are now underway to bring them back for the continuation of the tournament.
With 12 league stage matches and four play-off matches remaining, the league is eager to resume its original schedule.
Venue Changes Likely, Dharamsala Match in Doubt
Regarding match venues, it’s expected that most locations will retain their scheduled games, but Dharamsala may be removed from the roster. A source close to the IPL operations indicated that, while broadcasters initially planned to limit their operations to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai due to the security situation, things have returned to normal after the ceasefire. Therefore, the remaining matches will likely be played at the originally planned venues, except for Dharamsala, which may be rescheduled elsewhere.
Thursday’s match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was abandoned midway due to the ongoing conflict. Both teams’ players and support staff had to travel to Jalandhar by bus and then take a train to Delhi.
Match Details and Play-Offs
Out of the remaining 12 league matches, Ahmedabad will host three games, while Lucknow and Bengaluru will each host two. Other venues, such as Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Jaipur, will each host one match. It remains unclear whether the Dharamsala match, which was interrupted, will resume from where it left off or be played again from the start.
The play-offs are scheduled to be held in Hyderabad and Kolkata, with the iconic Eden Gardens slated to host the final match.
