In a major development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the suspension of the 2025 Indian Premier League for a period of one week, with immediate effect. This announcement was made on Friday, 9 May, and comes in the wake of growing concerns raised by multiple franchises. As a result, the scheduled clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Lucknow has been officially called off.A day prior, the fixture between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was also postponed. Issuing a formal statement, BCCI honorary secretary Devajit Saikia said, “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing IPL 2025 with immediate effect for one week. Further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders. “The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans. While the BCCI reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the Board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders.”
The recently postponed match between Punjab and Delhi was the 58th match of the league stage. This means there are still 12 league matches left to be played in the IPL 2025 season, not including the playoffs. In total, 70 league matches were scheduled this year. The league stage was originally supposed to conclude on 18 May with a double-header. The penultimate game would have featured Gujarat Titans taking on Chennai Super Kings in the 69th match, followed by Lucknow Super Giants facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 70th and final league fixture of the season.Quiz: Who’s that IPL player? The playoffs were set to begin shortly after the league phase, with Qualifier 1 scheduled for Tuesday, 20 May, followed by the Eliminator on 21 May. Qualifier 2 was due to be played on 23 May, and the grand finale was slated for Sunday, 25 May. As for the current points table, Gujarat Titans find themselves at the top with 16 points from 11 matches, boasting the highest net run rate of +0.793. Hot on their heels are Royal Challengers Bengaluru, also with 16 points from 11 matches, but slightly behind on net run rate with +0.482. Punjab Kings, who have played one game more, are third with 16 points from 12 matches and a net run rate of +0.376.Mumbai Indians sit in fourth place with 14 points from 12 matches and an impressive net run rate of +1.156, giving them a strong advantage in case of a tie. Delhi Capitals, currently fifth, also have 14 points from 12 games, but a slightly lower net run rate of +0.362, making every upcoming match crucial for their qualification hopes. Kolkata Knight Riders are sixth with 11 points from 12 matches and a net run rate of +0.193. They remain in the hunt but will need results to go their way. Just below them, Lucknow Super Giants have 10 points from 11 games with a negative net run rate of -0.469, which severely affects their chances. They now find themselves in must-win territory.
Sunrisers Hyderabad have had a difficult campaign, managing only 7 points from 11 matches with an NRR of -1.192, effectively ending their playoff hopes. Rajasthan Royals, with 6 points from 12 matches and an NRR of -0.718, are also out of contention. Shockingly, Chennai Super Kings are languishing at the bottom of the table with 6 points from 12 matches and a net run rate of -0.992, marking a disappointing season for the five-time champions.
