IPL Set to Resume May 17 — Buzz Returns After Schedule Update

With the new IPL dates finally out, the cricketing world is buzzing again. The remaining matches of IPL 2025 will now be played from May 17 to June 3, according to the BCCI. The tournament had been paused last week due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

Now that both countries have agreed to a ceasefire, the BCCI has decided to restart the tournament after consulting the government, security agencies, and other key authorities.

Where’s the Action Happening?

The remaining 17 matches will be played in six Indian cities — Bangalore, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.

The league resumes this Saturday, with Royal Challengers Bangalore hosting defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders. A double-header is lined up for Sunday. Playoff venues, however, are still to be confirmed, as the original plan (Hyderabad and Kolkata) may no longer be in place.

According to the revised schedule:

• Qualifier 1 – May 29
• Eliminator – May 30
• Qualifier 2 – June 1
• Final – June 3

Players Returning or Staying Away?

One big question: Will all the foreign players come back? Many flew home after the league was paused. During a match in Dharamshala, nearby explosions in Jammu led to the cancellation of a game between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals. Foreign players were quickly evacuated by train to Delhi and sent home.

Now, some boards are giving players the freedom to decide. Cricket Australia said its players are free to return or skip the IPL and that their decisions will be supported. Australia faces South Africa in the World Test Championship final on June 11, and preparation time will be tight.

Aussie stars like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Travis Head are already named in both the WTC squad and the upcoming West Indies tour. Hazlewood has said he won’t return due to injury.

Meanwhile, England has included Jos Buttler and four other IPL players in its squad for the ODI series against West Indies from May 29 to June 3, which directly clashes with the IPL playoffs. Players like Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell, Jofra Archer, and Jamie Overton are also in the spotlight, and their availability is in doubt.

PSL Also Back

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) will also restart on May 17. The league had paused following disruptions during a match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings. There were even talks of moving the entire PSL to the UAE, but that plan fell through. Now that India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire, the Pakistan Cricket Board has greenlit the restart — and David Warner has already confirmed he’ll return to play.

Cricket’s chaos seems to be settling — at least for now.