Both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) are set to restart on May 17, marking a significant step towards normalcy following recent military tensions between India and Pakistan. The tournaments were suspended after a sudden escalation in hostilities, including an alleged Indian drone incident near Rawalpindi that raised security concerns among players and officials.
The PSL, Pakistan’s premier T20 competition, will pick up again with a match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The tournament, which had been temporarily halted, will now conclude in Pakistan instead of being relocated to the UAE, as initially considered. The remaining eight matches, including the playoffs, will be split between Rawalpindi and Lahore. The final is scheduled for May 25 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. With only a few games left, Quetta Gladiators have already secured a place in the playoffs, while Multan Sultans are officially out of contention.
Despite the return to domestic grounds, concerns remain over the availability of foreign players. Many overseas stars had departed due to security fears, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is now working to ensure their safe return. To reduce broadcast conflicts with the IPL, the PCB has also adjusted the start times for evening matches, pushing them to 8:00 PM, an hour later than usual.
Meanwhile, the IPL will resume on the same day, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to take on Kolkata Knight Riders at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the remaining 17 matches will be spread across six cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Delhi, and Lucknow. The final has been moved to June 3, with the playoffs relocated from Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens due to logistical challenges.
In a gesture of respect for recent victims of violence, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has urged for a more subdued restart to the IPL, requesting that teams avoid loud celebrations and instead focus on the spirit of the game. This move has been widely supported as a way to acknowledge the difficult context surrounding the tournament’s resumption.
Both boards have praised the efforts of security forces in restoring stability, expressing hope that cricket’s return will provide a unifying force for the region. As millions of fans gear up for a high-stakes few weeks of cricket, anticipation is building for a dramatic finish to both tournaments. For players and fans alike, this restart represents a return to the game and a symbolic step towards peace and resilience in a challenging Subcontinent environment.