BCCI shortlists three venues for remaining IPL 2025 matches, Eden Gardens' final hosting in doubt

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shortlisted three potential venues to host the remainder of the IPL 2025 season, provided they receive the necessary clearance from the Indian government. The 18th edition of the tournament was suspended last week due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

As per a report by ESPNcricinfo, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad have been identified as the locations to host the remaining 16 matches of IPL 2025, including the playoffs. However, this shift in venues could mean that Eden Gardens, originally slated to host Qualifier 2 and the final, may no longer be the venue for the IPL 2025 finale.

The original plan had Eden Gardens hosting both Qualifier 2 and the final, with Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator set for other locations. The BCCI has yet to confirm a cut-off date for deciding whether the tournament can resume in May.

Sources suggest that franchise officials were informed of this tentative arrangement on Friday, though some teams are holding out hope that the IPL could be played later in the year if the government approval for May isn’t granted.

One of the main challenges for the BCCI would be the return of international players who have already begun leaving for their home countries. The board would need to quickly secure the availability of these overseas stars if the tournament resumes as planned in May.

At the time of suspension, 57 matches had been completed, with the 58th match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals having been abandoned after 10.1 overs due to the rising tensions. There are 12 remaining league matches, in addition to the four playoff games. The final was initially scheduled for May 25, 2025.

With the World Test Championship (WTC) final set to begin on June 11 at Lord’s, the BCCI faces a pressing deadline to finalize the IPL’s fate and determine its schedule.