Why has the IPL 2025 been postponed? Return date latest
RadioTimes.com has everything you need to know on the postponement of the IPL 2025 and when it will return.
The 18th season of the Indian Premier League is on pause.
Cricket's biggest franchise competition has been as exciting as ever in 2025, with three teams – Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Punjab Kings – locked level at the top of the table and a host of others snapping at their heels.
But the race for the 2025 IPL crown will have to wait, as the competition has been suspended for one week. There could be further delays and changes to the schedule to come – but why has the tournament been postponed?
RadioTimes.com brings you all the details about the postponement of the IPL 2025 and when it could return.
Why has the IPL 2025 been postponed?
The IPL 2025 has been postponed due to security concerns over the increasing tensions between India and Pakistan.
The dispute between the two countries over the Kashmir region is long-running but has ramped up in recent months and escalated further earlier this week.
On Thursday, a floodlight failure caused the IPL fixture between the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala, which is close to Kashmir, to be abandoned after 10.1 overs.
The teams were later evacuated from the area.
A statement from Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia on Friday 9th May confirmed that, after consultation with all key stakeholders and representations from the franchises, the tournament schedule had been postponed for a week, with immediate effect.
While it is no surprise, it is a significant decision, given the IPL is one of the richest competitions in world sport.
Overseas players, including 10 from England, are expected to leave the country as a result of the security situation.
When will the IPL 2025 resume?
The IPL 2025 will resume on Saturday 17th May, when Royal Challengers Bangalore will face Kolkata Knight Riders in Bengaluru.
As per the revised schedule published by the BCCI, a total of 17 matches will be played following the resumption. Punjab Kings v Delhi Capitals, which was abandoned, will be played from the start, while there are 12 more group stage matches and four knock-out ties to come.
The tournament was originally set to end with the final on Sunday 25th May but will now run until Tuesday 3rd June. To fit 17 games into the revised schedule, there will be two Sunday double-headers.
Due to security concerns, the remaining fixtures will be played across six venues – Bengaluru, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai and Ahmedabad – which means some games will miss out on home advantage.
The end of the IPL 2025 season will now clash with the England v West Indies ODI series and the India A tour of England, which will throw up schedule clashes for a number of players.
By entering your details you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
