IPL’s Southern Powerplay: BCCI Eyes Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad for Grand Finale

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in active consideration to restart the stalled IPL 2025 season, with a keen emphasis on southern grounds since the league has to weather the aftermath of recent tensions across the border. The tournament, which was abruptly suspended for a week as hostilities between India and Pakistan went on the rise, now faces a time and logistics race to finish its outstanding matches.

Key Highlights

Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad are the top contenders to host the last 16 matches of IPL 2025, including the play-offs, according to the shortlisted options by BCCI. The final at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, originally scheduled, might not make it to the new schedule if the southern option is implemented.

The move to divert attention to these sites is a result of the necessity to reduce travel and improve security, considering the current uncertainty. The board is waiting for government approval to implement this contingency plan.

If the conditions at the border improve, then there is always a chance of the tournament reverting to the original venues such as Kolkata. But if the tensions continue, the southern cities will become the centers of focus for the culmination of the league.

The BCCI’s urgency is underscored by a tight calendar. The IPL final was originally scheduled for May 25, 2025, but any further delay could clash with international commitments, notably the World Test Championship final set for June 11 at Lord’s, and various bilateral series involving key overseas players.

One of the largest challenges facing the BCCI is the return of international stars, most of whom have already departed India since the suspension. Their return is dependent on the resumption date as well as international cricketing commitments.

So far, 57 matches have been played. The 58th match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings was abandoned after 10.1 overs, and there is no information on whether it will be replayed or not.

Franchise administrators have been informally apprised of the shortlist of venues, but no final decision or revised calendar has been made. If the government denies permission for a May resumption, there is speculation of postponing the rest of the season to a later period, perhaps after India's Test tour of England in August.

The BCCI is likely to announce formally in a while, as fans, franchises, and broadcasters wait for certainty on how and where the world's most followed T20 league will conclude this season.

Sources: Times of India, Moneycontrol, NDTV, Hindustan Times, News18, Business Standard, InsideSport