- May 10, 2025
Just as IPL 2025 was reaching its zenith of excitement, bam—cricket fans were faced with an unexpected timeout. The league was suddenly suspended for a week after a mid-match abandonment between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, and the cricketing fraternity has only been buzzing about one question: What now? All in the midst of this, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has come up with perhaps the wildest twist yet—offering to host the remaining tournament in the UK. Sounds crazy? Maybe. But it could work. Let’s look at what this offer entails and why we should suggest that it is more than a contingency plan.
Why the ECB’s Offer Isn’t as Random as It Sounds
Initially, it may appear ridiculous (maybe even absurd) to move the IPL – India’s flagship T20 competition – to the UK. It may even rival the idea of a beach cricket match in Yorkshire. However, once we take a closer look, it doesn’t appear so outlandish.
Firstly, there is a well-established cricketing connection between England and India. There are a number of English cricketers with links to IPL franchises, and overtly many IPL owners have vested interests in The Hundred – the ECB’s own short-format league. That overlap in ownership creates an oddly friendly bridge between the two boards, and it is possibly not happenstance that the ECB came forward almost immediately after the suspension with the invitation.
When it comes to logistics, England is moving into the summer peak, prime cricket time. Grounds are ready, pitches are new, and the interest from fans is likely at a peak. More importantly, with the five-light England-India Test series scheduled for June 20, there is a chance for the players to avoid an annoying trip back home. One large UK tour might be the best option that remains on the table.
The Real Reason Everyone’s Considering This Seriously
This isn’t the IPL’s first foray into a foreign land. Do you remember the 2009 season that was played in South Africa? Or the UAE in 2020 due to COVID? The IPL’s brand appeal around the globe means it can survive away from India, which is what we would prefer. But it was the manner of the stoppage that is curious, and while there hasn’t been an official reason yet, we can surmise that the reason was serious enough for a 10-team mega-league to be stopped mid-way.
We have played 57, so there are only 12 league matches and 4 playoffs to play. So it is a neat little cricket tournament and can be easily picked up and taken out of a country without disturbing players’ schedules too much.
It did not take former England captain Michael Vaughan long to say on X (formerly Twitter) that the UK is the place to hold this competition because venues are free, the weather is good, and the Indian players will already be in place for the Test series. Vaughan may be right about something else than being sarcastic for once!
But Will BCCI Actually Bite the Bullet?
That’s the million-dollar question. While the ECB’s offer appears to be timely and reasonable, the BCCI is notoriously conservative about outsourcing its flagship product. An IPL hosted in India can generate enormous economic and fan value = including TV viewership, sold-out stadiums, and sponsor activations. Taking it away from India could risk a lot of that value.
With the outset of the break, BCCI will likely have to start thinking outside of the box, as a situation that causes the break may not be stabilized shortly. It may turn out to be a logistical problem to reschedule to play all of the remaining fixtures in India if that is your only option. Ultimately, the UK might end up becoming the most viable option to host the Tournament if domestic hosting proves unworkable due to the existing infrastructure and cricketing culture.
So, what do you think – would you like to see the IPL finale happen in iconic English stadiums? Or does it still belong in India, no matter what? The discussion phase starts now.
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