Following a postponement due to rising tensions along the India-Pakistan border, IPL 2025 will resume on May 16 or 17. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the resumption of the tournament after a ceasefire arrangement was put in place to allow the return of cricketing action in safety.
Resumption Opening Match: LSG vs RCB
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The opening match on the resumption of IPL 2025 will be between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. This match takes the place of the earlier scheduled but now-cancelled game between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at Dharamsala.
BCCI Communicates With Franchises and Players
As per Sports Tak reports, the BCCI has already informed all stakeholders – franchises and officials – about the revised schedule. All teams have been requested to bring back their overseas players and support staff at once. The LSG team is likely to reunite by May 13, with other franchises doing the same and reaching their modified venues shortly afterwards.
Alterations in IPL 2025 Playoff Venues
Dramatic alterations are taking place in the venues of the IPL 2025 playoffs. While Qualifier 1, Qualifier 2, and Eliminator will continue at their initially scheduled sites, the last match is expected to be relocated from Eden Gardens, Kolkata, to Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The IPL 2025 final is provisionally proposed for May 30 or June 1.
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Ricky Ponting’s Leadership Praised Amidst Crisis
In a gripping drama, foreign players from each franchise went home, which has created disarray amongst foreign cricketers. However, Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting is lauded for settling emphatic overseas players down with an encouraging pep talk.
PBKS CEO Satish Menon appreciated Ponting, saying:
“It reflects on Ponting’s character. Only he would have been able to do it.”
Several key PBKS members, including Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, and Xavier Bartlett, have already gone back to Australia. Marco Jansen, who is in Dubai, is also expected to return to Australia when the new IPL 2025 schedule is eventually announced.
A source said Ponting asked the players to keep cool and stay after the ceasefire:
“Foreign players are not accustomed to something like this. They wanted to go, headed by Stoinis. But Ponting has persuaded them to remain after the ceasefire, which is great.”
ALSO READ: Blow To Delhi Capitals: Mitchell Starc Not Expected To Return For Rest Of IPL 2025
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