The Indian Premier League 2025 is all set to resume on May 17, following a temporary pause due to geopolitical tensions. The BCCI confirmed the new schedule after the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, paving the way for cricket's biggest T20 league to return.
The season restart will kick off with a high-voltage clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. However, the second leg of the tournament will clash heavily with the international cricket calendar, forcing franchises into tough selection decisions.
Key International Clashes Impacting IPL 2025:
1. England vs West Indies Series (from May 29)
-
Likely to pull away several key West Indian and English players, affecting team balance during the IPL’s final stretch:
-
West Indies players:
-
Romario Shepherd (RCB)
-
Shamar Joseph (Lucknow Super Giants)
-
Sherfane Rutherford (Gujarat Titans)
-
-
England players:
-
Jos Buttler (GT)
-
Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone (all RCB)
-
Will Jacks, Reece Topley (both Mumbai Indians)
-
-
2. World Test Championship Final 2025 (June 11 at Lord’s)
-
Australia vs South Africa, which means top-tier Test stars will miss the playoffs, which begin May 9.
-
Australian players potentially unavailable:
-
Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals)
-
Josh Hazlewood (RCB)
-
Josh Inglis (Punjab Kings)
-
-
South African players affected:
-
Tristan Stubbs (DC)
-
Marco Jansen (PBKS)
-
Aiden Markram (LSG)
-
Kagiso Rabada (GT)
-
Ryan Rickelton (MI)
-
Implications for IPL Teams:
-
Teams will face severe disruptions to their playing XIs during the business end of the tournament.
-
RCB, GT, MI, DC, and PBKS are among the most affected.
-
Franchises must now rework strategies, possibly rely on domestic talent and lesser-used squad members to fill the void left by their overseas stars.
What to Expect:
-
A tense, unpredictable second leg as teams adapt on the fly.
-
Increased spotlight on young Indian players and bench strength.
-
Possible return of previously benched overseas players or new mid-season signings if approved by BCCI.
Stay Updated:
Follow India Today for:
-
Live scores and match schedules
-
Updated team squads and combinations
-
IPL Points Table
-
Top contenders for the Orange Cap (leading run-scorer) and Purple Cap (leading wicket-taker)
The final stretch of IPL 2025 promises drama, surprises, and a test of depth and resilience for every team chasing glory.
