The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to resume this weekend, following a brief suspension due to heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan. With a ceasefire now in effect, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that the league will restart on May 17th.
The first match after the resumption will feature a highly anticipated clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Sunil Gavaskar calls for a silent celebration
However, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has called for a more subdued atmosphere for the remaining matches. As reported by Sports Today, Gavaskar expressed his desire for the BCCI to tone down the usual IPL fanfare.
“What I would really like to see is. These are the last few matches, we have had about 60 games or thereabouts. I think it is the last 15 or 16 games. I would sincerely hope, because of what has happened and some families have lost their near and dear ones, I would like that there is no music. Let’s not have the DJS screaming in the middle of an over.,” Gavaskar told Sports Today.
“None of that. Let the games be played. Let the crowds come in. Let’s just have a tournament, the balance of a tournament. It’s just no dancing girls, nothing. Just cricket would be a really nice way to respect the sentiment of the families who have lost their near and dear ones,” he added.
Despite Gavaskar’s call for restraint, the BCCI, after extensive consultations with government and security agencies, and key stakeholders, has decided to proceed with the remaining portion of the season.
Matches to be played in IPL 2025
A total of 17 matches are scheduled to be played across six venues, commencing on May 17, 2025, and culminating in the final on June 3, 2025. The revised schedule includes two double-headers, which will be held on two Sundays.
The schedule for the playoffs has also been confirmed:
- Qualifier 1 – May 29
- Eliminator – May 30
- Qualifier 2 – June 1
- Final – June 3