The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially suspended the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for one week from May 9, 2025, after a sudden spurt in the military tensions between India and Pakistan along the India-Pakistan border. Following this development, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has come forward and is willing to host the remaining part of the tournament in the UK. ECB’s Proposal to Rescue IPL 2025
ECB head Richard Gould is ready to help bring IPL 2025
To the rest of the tables, this is potentially a historic first: if approved, this would be the first ever IPL match in England. The offer has been well received as a solution that works in the clouds surrounding the future of the India tournament. The ECB’s proposition follows after a sudden halt of an IPL fixture between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala after air raid alerts were issued to neighbouring cities throughout the day. The BCCI has announced that it will consider the situation in collaboration with franchises and other stakeholders to reschedule the tournament.
IPL’s History of Overseas Relocations
It is not the first time the IPL has been forced to change venues by unforeseen circumstances: In 2009, India’s general elections were the reason why the tournament had to be transferred to South Africa. In 2020 and 2021, the UAE held the league during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent bio-bubble bust. However, England has never hosted IPL matches, and this chance could be a breakthrough for the tournament.
Strategic Timing for International Players
Moving the IPL to England also serves a logistical reason. Many Indian, Australian, South African, and English players are expected to stay on in the UK after IPL for India’s series against England, hosted by Ben Stokes. The final World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 at Lord’s begins on June 11. The IPL in England would ease the transition for players gearing up for red-ball duties and eliminate the need for expensive travel and air clashes to and from Team India.
English Players Already Heading Home
Several English players are already leaving India during this uncertainty: Jos Buttler (Gujarat Titans), Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals), Jacob Bethell (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), and Moeen Ali (Kolkata Knight Riders). Although on suspension, the BCCI has requested overseas players to remain on standby in case the tournament is resumed in India or abroad.
What’s Next? The BCCI is expected to meet in emergency discussions in the coming days to assess the feasibility of moving the league to England. Work with franchises, broadcasters, and the ECB. Close out & release a new schedule for the remainder of IPL 2025. Regardless of whether fans, players, or stakeholders themselves, the next couple of days will be critical to ascertain whether IPL 2025 can be resumed smoothly, perhaps even in some other country.
