The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reportedly offered to host the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, after the tournament was suspended for a week due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the announcement of the suspension on Friday, May 9, and has arranged chartered flights for overseas players to return home.
The IPL 2025 season was put on hold with 16 matches remaining, including the playoffs. The 58th match of the season between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was called off midway due to security reasons, and the crowd was evacuated. The league stage was initially scheduled to conclude on May 18, but the schedule is now subject to change depending on the situation in India.
According to reports, ECB chief executive Richard Gould has already contacted his counterparts at the BCCI to discuss the possibility of hosting the remaining fixtures in England. A senior ECB source confirmed that this could be possible in September, though no active discussions are currently taking place.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has also publicly supported the idea of the UK hosting the remainder of IPL 2025. He suggested that it would be in India's interest to stage the IPL in the UK, as the Indian team is scheduled to play a five-match Test series against England immediately after. Vaughan stated that the UK has all the necessary venues and that the Indian players could stay on for the Test series. The Test series is scheduled to run through early August and could potentially be followed by a rescheduled IPL.
If the BCCI accepts the ECB's offer, it would be the first time that the IPL has been held in England. Previously, the tournament has been held in South Africa and the UAE. This move would further strengthen the connection between the ECB and IPL franchises, as many IPL owners have already invested in The Hundred, a professional franchise 100-ball cricket competition in England and Wales.
The BCCI has stated that further updates regarding the new schedule and venues for the tournament will be announced after a comprehensive assessment of the situation and in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders. While the possibility of relocating the tournament to the UAE or South Africa remains, the BCCI is keen to host it in India if the situation improves. The board has also expressed its support for the Indian armed forces and reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing the nation's safety and security.