IPL 2025: BCCI Prepares Three Draft Schedules; Final Announcement Expected Tonight
New Delhi, May 12 – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to breathe life back into IPL 2025, which was suspended amid uncertainty last week. In a major development, three potential draft schedules have been prepared, with the final decision expected by late Monday evening.
What We Know So Far
- The IPL Governing Council is scheduled to meet this afternoon to finalize the roadmap for resumption.
- A total of 16 matches remain, including:
- 12 league matches
- 4 play-offs (Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final)
📋 The Three Draft Schedules at a Glance
BCCI has proposed three possible formats for resuming the tournament:
1. Traditional Home-and-Away Format
- Matches to be played across all original venues
- Dharamsala may be excluded due to logistical constraints
2. South India Cluster Model (Option A)
- Matches hosted in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai
- Focused on limiting travel and tightening bio-security protocols
3. South India Cluster Model (Option B)
- Similar to Option A but with fewer matches at each venue
- Aims for operational efficiency and quicker turnarounds
🔔 As of now, the three respective state associations have not received formal communication from BCCI.
📢 Final Decision Expected Tonight
While the BCCI hasn’t made an official announcement, internal sources suggest:
- Franchises have been unofficially advised to regroup at their home bases.
- The league is likely to restart by May 16 or 17.
⚠️ All signs point to a green light very soon, though a formal word is awaited.
🧠 How BCCI Plans to Manage the Restart
Given the risks associated with nationwide travel, the BCCI is considering:
- Fewer centralized venues
- Tighter logistical planning
- Enhanced operational safety
🧷 This would reduce the risk of disruption and simplify coordination for broadcasters, players, and staff.
⚠️ Foreign Players’ Participation Still Uncertain
It remains highly unlikely that all overseas players, who flew out during last week’s tense developments, will return. Despite this:
✅ BCCI is determined to conclude the tournament, even if it means proceeding without full foreign player participation.
🏏 In Summary
- Three schedules ready; decision expected late Monday (May 12)
- Governing Council meeting may be called on short notice
- League may resume on May 16 or 17
- Possible shift to South India-based venues
- Foreign player return still doubtful, but tournament will likely continue