IPL

The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) is set to resume on May 17 after a week-long suspension due to geopolitical tensions. The temporary halt came in the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor, a military strike on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) swiftly responded by postponing fixtures for the safety of all stakeholders. Now, the much-awaited revised schedule is here — and it’s packed with action. Why IPL 2025 Was Suspended On May 9, 2025, the BCCI officially suspended the tournament following the Indian Armed Forces’ military operations. Tensions escalated rapidly, raising security concerns for players, organizers, and fans alike. It was the first such disruption in IPL history due to international conflict. IPL 2025 Matches Resume on May 17 The league will resume on Saturday, May 17, with 17 remaining matches to be played in a compact format over multiple cities. This updated schedule helps keep the tournament on track while accommodating previously postponed fixtures. IPL 2025 Revised Schedule Day & date Time Match Venue Saturday, May 17 7:30pm IST RCB vs KKR Bengaluru Sunday, May 18 3:30 pm IST RR vs PBKS Jaipur Sunday, May 18 7:30pm IST DC vs GT Delhi Monday, May 19 7:30pm IST LSG vs SRH Lucknow Tuesday, May 20 7:30pm IST CSK vs RR Delhi Wednesday, May 21 7:30pm IST MI vs DC Mumbai Thursday, May 22 7:30pm IST GT vs LSG Ahmedabad Friday, May 23 7:30pm IST RCB vs SRH Bengaluru Saturday, May 24 7:30pm IST PBKS vs DC Jaipur Sunday, May 25 3:30pm IST GT vs CSK Ahmedabad Sunday, May 25 7:30pm IST SRH vs KKR Delhi Monday, May 26 7:30pm IST PBKS vs MI Jaipur Tuesday, May 27 7:30pm IST LSG vs RCB Lucknow Thursday, May 29 7:30pm IST Qualifier 1 TBC Friday, May 30 7:30pm IST Eliminator TBC Sunday, June 1 7:30pm IST Qualifier 2 TBC Tuesday, June 3 7:30pm IST FINAL TBC Venues for the Remaining Matches The remaining fixtures will be distributed across the following six Indian cities: These venues have been strategically selected for their secure environments and world-class facilities. Double Headers for Super Sundays The revised IPL 2025 schedule also features two double-header matchdays, both scheduled for Sundays. This move not only optimizes the compressed calendar but also offers fans full-day cricketing entertainment. What About the Playoffs? The BCCI has not yet revealed the venues for the playoff matches, including the Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final. The announcement is expected in the coming days, likely depending on ongoing security assessments and venue availability. Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals: Replay Confirmed One of the biggest talking points of the IPL’s suspension was the abandoned match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals on May 8 in Dharamshala. That match will now be replayed in full on May 24, ensuring fairness and equal opportunity in the league standings. What Fans Can Expect from the Revised IPL 2025 Cricket fans are in for a thrilling final phase of the tournament: The energy and tension leading to the final will be unlike anything seen in IPL history. FAQs – IPL 2025 Revised Schedule 1. Why was IPL 2025 suspended? Due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, the BCCI temporarily halted the league. 2. When will IPL 2025 resume? IPL 2025 will resume on May 17, 2025. 3. How many matches are left in IPL 2025? A total of 17 matches remain to be played. 4. Which cities will host the remaining matches? The cities are: Bengaluru, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Lucknow. 5. Will there be any double headers? Yes, two double-headers are scheduled for Sundays. 6. Has the IPL 2025 Final venue been announced? Not yet. BCCI will announce the playoff and final venues soon. 7. What happened to the Punjab vs Delhi match? The abandoned match from May 8 will be replayed on May 24. 8. Will the pause affect team momentum? Yes, teams may need to readjust their momentum and strategies after the break. 9. Is the safety of players ensured? Yes, BCCI has carefully selected venues with top-tier security measures. 10. Will the revised schedule affect the playoff timeline? No, the final is still expected to be held on June 3, 2025. Conclusion The IPL 2025 Revised Schedule offers fans a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation. Despite the unexpected pause, the BCCI has shown agility in ensuring that the tournament continues with minimal disruption. With 17 crucial matches, potential playoff twists, and nail-biting double headers, the rest of the season promises to deliver high-octane cricket. All eyes are now on May 17, when the IPL stage lights up once again.

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction, set for November 24 and 25, is shaping up to be a landmark event for the league. This year’s auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will allow franchises to rebuild their squads strategically. With increased budgets, retention choices, and the Right-to-Match (RTM) mechanism, it promises to deliver excitement. Auction Overview: Dates, Location, and Broadcast Information This two-day auction is part of IPL’s “mega auction” format, allowing franchises to refresh their squads significantly every three years. Unlike smaller annual auctions, mega auctions provide teams with larger budgets and flexibility. Team Budgets and Salary Cap Allocations Each team has an initial budget of INR 120 crore for the 2025 auction. However, after retaining key players, the remaining budgets vary: This difference in budgets will affect each team’s strategy. For example, high-budget teams like Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore may bid aggressively, while others with tighter budgets will need to be selective. Remaining Budgets by Team: Retention Strategies and Right-to-Match (RTM) Options Each franchise approached retentions differently this year. Some teams chose to retain several core players, while others kept only a few to maintain flexibility. Key Retained Players: Right-to-Match Options provide an additional advantage. Teams with RTM cards, like Delhi Capitals, can retain valuable former players by matching the highest bid. This option brings another layer of strategy to the auction, as teams balance their budget with the desire to reclaim specific players. Team Player Slots and Requirements for IPL 2025 The 10 IPL teams will be able to fill a total of 204 player slots, with 70 allocated for overseas players. Each team needs a balanced roster, with 18 to 25 players, which includes a mix of both Indian and international talent. Teams with multiple retained players, like KKR and Rajasthan Royals, have fewer open slots. This setup keeps a strong team core intact, but it limits their ability to make significant changes. On the other hand, teams like Punjab Kings, with large budgets and minimal retentions, have the flexibility to pursue high-value acquisitions. Strategies for Teams with High Budgets Punjab Kings (PBKS) With the largest budget, Punjab Kings is well-positioned to pursue big names. By retaining only two players, they have the flexibility to target marquee talent and build a well-rounded squad. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) RCB, with a budget of INR 83 crore, is also set to bid competitively. Their retained star, Virat Kohli, offers a stable leadership presence, while their open slots will allow for strategic additions. Delhi Capitals (DC) With INR 73 crore left after retaining four players, DC has the option to make selective, high-impact bids to fill key positions​. Balancing Indian and Overseas Players The 70 overseas slots ensure opportunities for international players in the IPL. This year’s auction will attract talent from around the world, with teams balancing between strong Indian players and experienced overseas cricketers. Franchises like Mumbai Indians, who retained Indian stars, may target international players to round out their squads. This balance allows teams to leverage local strengths while bringing diverse talent from international cricket. An International Auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Choosing Jeddah as the venue for the auction underscores IPL’s focus on international growth. The Middle East has a substantial cricket fanbase, particularly among the South Asian diaspora. This venue change could draw new fans to IPL and strengthen the league’s global reputation​. Predictions and Expected Strategies Teams with high budgets, such as Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore, are likely to go after marquee players. Meanwhile, franchises like Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, with smaller budgets, may focus on specific roles or young, affordable talent. For instance: How the Auction Will Impact IPL’s Future The 2025 Mega Auction will influence team strategies for years to come. High-budget teams may undergo significant transformations, while others may focus on stability by acquiring key players without disrupting their current core. This flexibility will likely create a dynamic season, showcasing new talent and fan-favorite players in fresh roles. Conclusion: Building Excitement for the IPL 2025 Season With its first international venue, strategic retentions, and high-value bidding opportunities, the IPL 2025 Mega Auction will set the stage for a thrilling season. Teams will aim to make strategic bids, blending experience with emerging talent. For fans, this auction brings the excitement of seeing teams reformed and re-energized. Read more FAQs When and where will the IPL 2025 Mega Auction take place? The IPL 2025 Mega Auction is scheduled for November 24 and 25, 2025. This year’s event will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking the first time an IPL auction is hosted internationally. The auction will begin at 11 AM IST on both days, with live coverage on Star Sports and Jio Cinema. 2. How much is each team’s budget for the IPL 2025 auction? Every team was initially given a budget of INR 120 crore. After retaining players, franchises like Punjab Kings have the largest remaining budget (INR 110.5 crore), while Rajasthan Royals have the smallest remaining purse (INR 41 crore). This variation will impact each team’s strategy for acquiring new players. 3. What is the Right-to-Match (RTM) option, and how does it work? The Right-to-Match (RTM) option allows a team to re-sign a player they previously released by matching the highest bid for that player in the auction. For example, if another team bids for a player a franchise released, the original team can use their RTM card to reacquire that player at the final bid price. Each team is allocated a limited number of RTM cards. 4. Why is the IPL 2025 auction being held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia? Hosting the auction in Jeddah reflects IPL’s strategic efforts to expand its global presence, especially in regions with growing cricket fandoms like the Middle East. The choice of an international location aims to tap into the large South Asian diaspora and build IPL’s brand across new global audiences. 5. How many player slots are available in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction? There are