The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering hosting the remainder of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season without the usual glitz and glamour, following a suggestion from Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar proposed that the remaining 17 matches be played without cheerleaders and DJs as a mark of respect for the families affected by the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. This comes after heightened tensions led to a week-long suspension of the tournament.
The suspension followed the abandonment of a match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala, triggered by the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. The IPL resumed after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on 10 May, ending hostilities that had escalated following India’s Operation Sindoor and a series of drone and missile attacks by Pakistan.
While the IPL's resumption was welcomed, Gavaskar emphasized that the remaining matches should be held "quietly" as a respectful gesture. He advocated for a more subdued environment with just the cricket being the focus, ensuring that no distractions like dancing girls or loud entertainment are present.
The tournament will restart on Saturday, May 17, with Royal Challengers Bangalore facing Kolkata Knight Riders at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The remaining matches will be held across six venues: Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Lucknow. The IPL league stage will end on May 27, with play-offs starting on May 29 and the final scheduled for June 3. This rescheduling has led to concerns regarding the availability of overseas players for the play-offs, given the extended window.
