In a significant development concerning the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering extending the prestigious T20 tournament until May 30 to accommodate the matches that were left incomplete following a temporary suspension.
According to sources close to the board, the tournament is now tentatively scheduled to resume from May 16, with Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad being identified as the potential host cities for the remaining fixtures.
The IPL had been halted for a week due to unforeseen circumstances, and with the suspension cutting into the calendar, the BCCI is reportedly reworking the schedule.
The final, which was earlier planned for May 25, is now likely to take place five days later, on May 30, allowing the board a brief but crucial window to wrap up the tournament.
A source within the BCCI, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the revised schedule is expected to be finalized and circulated to all IPL franchises by Sunday night.
However, not all teams have been equally optimistic. Several franchises have voiced concerns regarding the availability of their international players, most of whom had already flown back to their respective countries once the tournament was suspended.
The BCCI, anticipating the logistical complexities of resuming the event, has reportedly instructed all teams, except for Punjab Kings, to report to their designated venues by Tuesday, May 14.
This directive is intended to ensure that matches can commence without delay on Friday, May 16. Teams have also been advised to inform their foreign players and coaching staff about the expected travel and quarantine plans, so they can begin arrangements for their return to India at the earliest.
The suspension of the tournament, though brief, has created a scheduling bottleneck. With 12 matches remaining, including league-stage matches, playoffs, and the final, the BCCI faces a tight timeline.
According to officials, at least six days are required to properly conduct the playoffs, which includes the Eliminator, two Qualifiers, and the Final. Given the narrow two-week window, the board is now contemplating scheduling additional double-headers—two matches in a single day—to ensure that all fixtures are completed in a timely manner.
An official associated with the board commented, “With the time lost due to the temporary suspension, we have no choice but to squeeze the matches into a tighter calendar. More back-to-back matches and double-headers will likely be introduced to help us finish on time.
The franchises have been informed to prepare accordingly.”
There is also the challenge of coordinating with international cricket boards, as many overseas players are currently committed to national duties or traveling under strict protocols in their respective countries.
This could potentially lead to certain teams being forced to field weakened squads if their star international players are unable to return in time.
Despite these hurdles, the BCCI remains optimistic about completing the tournament successfully, albeit in a slightly altered format and timeline.
The board is relying on a limited venue approach, choosing just three cities in an effort to minimize travel, reduce logistical complications, and ensure the health and safety of players and support staff.
“As things stand, the revised fixtures and logistical details will be sent out to franchises by tonight,” the source reiterated.
“We’ve made it clear that all teams must report to their venues by Tuesday, so that match preparations can begin without delay. Every effort is being made to ensure the tournament finishes smoothly.”
As the cricketing world watches closely, the BCCI’s decision to compress the remainder of the IPL into a demanding two-week stretch is being viewed as a test of organizational ability under pressure.
However, with strong coordination between teams, players, and authorities, the board remains confident that the world’s most popular cricket league can still be brought to an exciting and successful conclusion by the end of the month.
