(Image source from: x.com/IPL)

Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad have been selected as the locations for the last 16 matches of the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) if the competition resumes in May. This follows a week-long suspension due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. The IPL has opted for venues in southern India pending approval from the government to continue the tournament. On Friday, the BCCI revealed that the league would be paused for a week due to increasing cross-border issues involving the neighboring nations. Team officials conveyed to ESPNcricinfo that the remainder of the league may potentially be completed later in the year. One of the major hurdles confronting the BCCI regarding the resumption of this financially lucrative competition is the return of international players.

Following the announcement of the suspension, teams started to disband, and players looked for the earliest flights back to their home countries. ESPNcricinfo noted that most international players are anticipated to leave India by the end of Saturday. The franchises remain hopeful about the possibility of overseas players returning if the tournament is able to resume later in May. However, they could not confirm that the matches would extend beyond May 25, which is the date set for the IPL 2025 final at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Numerous players are scheduled to partake in their international commitments and the World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa, slated for June 11 at Lord’s. Ultimately, 57 matches have been completed in IPL 2025, with the 58th game featuring Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala being abandoned after 10.1 overs.