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The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to resume this week following a temporary, week-long suspension triggered by heightened cross-border tensions. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a revised schedule that significantly alters the latter half of the tournament, restricting the remaining matches to just six cities across India. This necessary measure, aimed at prioritizing security and mitigating logistical challenges, will see several teams forgo their home advantage for the rest of the season.
6 cities to host the remaining 17 matches of IPL 2025
The decision to centralize the venues in six cities – Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai and Bengaluru – comes after extensive consultations regarding prevailing security concerns and, in some cases, unfavourable weather forecasts in previously scheduled host cities. While the move ensures the continuation of the popular league, it presents a unique challenge for teams that will now play their ‘home’ games away from their traditional strongholds and passionate fan bases.
4 teams who won’t get the home advantage
Among the teams most affected by this revised schedule are Punjab Kings (PBKS), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
PBKS, who were scheduled to play their remaining home fixtures in Chandigarh and Dharamsala, will now play both matches at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. This sudden shift means PBKS will need to adapt quickly to a new home ground and conditions.
CSK will not have the opportunity to play before their loyal Yellow Army at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Their sole remaining home match has been moved north to Delhi.
Similarly, SRH will also be relocating their final home game from the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad to Delhi, impacting their strategy and fan engagement for that crucial encounter.
Kolkata Knight Riders, while having completed their league stage home matches at Eden Gardens, were slated to host playoff games, including the highly anticipated final. However, concerns over potential weather disruptions in Kolkata have led to these crucial knockout fixtures being earmarked for other venues, reportedly Ahmedabad and Mumbai. This means the iconic Eden Gardens will not witness any further IPL 2025 action this season.
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The BCCI stated that the concentration of matches in fewer cities is a strategic decision to minimize travel-related risks and enhance overall security arrangements for players, support staff, and personnel involved in the league. The six chosen venues are deemed better equipped to handle the current circumstances.
Teams like Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow Super Giants, Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are expected to retain at least some of their scheduled home matches at their original venues within the designated six cities.
The resumption of IPL 2025 under these altered conditions highlights the challenges of hosting a large-scale sporting event amidst geopolitical sensitivities and environmental factors. While the absence of home advantage for some teams undoubtedly changes the dynamic of the competition, the focus remains on successfully concluding the season and delivering competitive cricket for the fans.
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