The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was originally scheduled to take place from 22 March to 24 May. However, due to a military conflict between India and Pakistan, the 58th match of the league had to be stopped midway. Subsequently, the BCCI suspended the tournament for a week. Now, with both countries agreeing to a ceasefire to de-escalate tensions, the BCCI is preparing to resume the tournament. However, changes in both the schedule and venues are expected.
According to a report by The Indian Express, the BCCI may share the revised schedule for the remaining matches with all 10 teams by tonight (11 May), so that teams can begin preparations and regroup their squads. The final match, initially planned for 24 May, is now likely to be held on 30 May. The new schedule is also expected to feature more double-headers to make up for lost games. Reportedly, the remaining matches will be played in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
Reports also suggest that the BCCI has instructed teams to regroup by Tuesday. Most foreign players had returned to their home countries after the league was suspended, and now all ten franchises are working to bring back their overseas players and coaching staff to India. The players had departed between Friday and Saturday following the suspension.
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Will the PBKS vs DC Match Be Played Again?
On 8 May, following aerial threat warnings in Jammu and Pathankot, the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamshala was halted mid-way. No points were awarded to either team. The BCCI is yet to make a decision regarding this game. It’s expected that the match might either be replayed entirely or resumed from the point it was stopped. Before the interruption, Punjab Kings had scored 122 runs for 1 wicket in 10.1 overs, with opener Priyansh Arya scoring a fiery 70 off 34 balls and Prabhsimran Singh remaining unbeaten on 50.
