Key Points
- IPL 2025 resumes May 17 after a week-long suspension due to India-Pakistan tensions, with 17 matches left and playoffs beginning May 29.
- Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings are on the verge of playoff qualification; Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, KKR, and LSG remain in contention.
- Overseas player availability is a major concern for several franchises, with key absences expected due to international commitments and injuries.
- The IPL final is now scheduled for June 3, with matches spread across six venues: Bengaluru, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
New Delhi: After a dramatic week-long suspension triggered by cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to resume on Saturday, May 17. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the remaining 17 matches, including two Sunday double-headers, will be played across six cities, culminating with the IPL final on June 3.
Playoff Picture: Who’s In, Who’s Still Fighting?
With just 13 league matches left before the playoffs, the race for the top four spots is at fever pitch. Here’s how the playoff contenders stand and what they need to do:
| Team | Points | Matches Left | Playoff Scenario | Key Overseas Player Issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans (GT) | 16 | 3 | Need 1 win to seal playoff spot | Buttler, Rabada availability unclear |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 16 | 3 | 1 win likely enough for playoffs | Hazlewood, Shepherd unavailable |
| Punjab Kings (PBKS) | 15 | 3 | 1 win to almost guarantee qualification | Josh Inglis unavailable |
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | 14 | 2 | 2 wins to guarantee, 1 win keeps hopes alive | Will Jacks, Bosch uncertain |
| Delhi Capitals (DC) | 13 | 3 | Need at least 2 wins for a strong chance | Starc out, Stubbs uncertain |
| Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | 11 | 2 | Must win both and hope for other results | Most overseas stars available |
| Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | 10 | 3 | Need to win all 3 and rely on other results | Markram, Miller status unclear |
- Gujarat Titans: After a disappointing 2024, Shubman Gill’s side has bounced back with 8 wins from 11 games. However, uncertainty surrounds the availability of Jos Buttler and Kagiso Rabada due to England and South Africa commitments.
- RCB: Riding high with six away wins, RCB’s playoff push could be hampered by the loss of key bowlers like Josh Hazlewood and Romario Shepherd, both ruled out due to international duty.
- Punjab Kings: PBKS reached 15 points for the first time in 11 years and need just one more win, but will miss Josh Inglis in the final stretch.
- Mumbai Indians: MI surged back into contention with six straight wins before the break. They need to win both remaining games to secure a playoff berth, but Will Jacks and Corbin Bosch may miss the rest of the season.
- Delhi Capitals: After a hot start, DC’s form dipped, and they now face the loss of Mitchell Starc and possibly Tristan Stubbs, both vital to their campaign.
- KKR & LSG: Both teams face a must-win scenario in all remaining matches and need favorable results elsewhere to sneak into the playoffs.
Overseas Player Crisis: Teams Scramble for Replacements
The playoff race is further complicated by a wave of overseas player withdrawals. The World Test Championship final and international series for England, South Africa, and West Indies mean several IPL stars will be absent for the crucial final phase. Teams like RCB, GT, MI, and DC are especially hard-hit, forcing coaches to rethink strategies and lineups.
Revised Schedule and Key Fixtures
- Resumption: May 17, RCB vs KKR at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
- Playoffs: Qualifier 1 (May 29), Eliminator (May 30), Qualifier 2 (June 1), Final (June 3).
- Venues: Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Ahmedabad.
What’s at Stake?
With three teams nearly assured of playoff spots and four more fighting for the last berth, every match will be a virtual knockout. The uncertainty around overseas player availability adds another layer of unpredictability, making this one of the most open and dramatic IPL finishes in recent memory.
As IPL 2025 returns, fans can expect high drama, strategic reshuffles, and a playoff race that could go down to the very last ball.
