Ipl restart news

  it mentions that the IPL is set to resume on May 17 with RCB vs KKR in Bengaluru and the final on June 3. The venues for playoffs are yet to be decided. There are 17 matches left, including the interrupted PBKS vs DC game, which will be replayed in Jaipur on May 24. The BCCI has consulted with the government and stakeholders. Also, some teams like CSK, RR, and SRH are out of the playoffs race. The points table shows GT and RCB leading. This seems like a primary source for the resumption date and key matches.

Webpage 2 from The Indian Express says the final was pushed to May 30 initially, but according to the other results, it's June 3. This might be conflicting info, but more recent sources (like webpage 4 and 5) confirm June 3. So the final date was updated later.

Webpage 3 from News18 discusses the use of double-headers to make up time. It also mentions the points table before suspension and the impact on overseas players. The PBKS vs DC game might be split points, but webpage 1 and 4 clarify that the match will be replayed in Jaipur. So the split points idea might have been an initial consideration but later changed.

Webpage 4 (Times of India) and 5 (Cricbuzz) confirm the revised schedule with specific dates and venues. The first match is RCB vs KKR on May 17 in Bengaluru. The playoffs are scheduled from May 29 to June 3, with venues TBD. Also, the PBKS vs DC game is rescheduled in Jaipur. These sources align with webpage 1's information.

Webpage 6 (ESPNcricinfo) talks about the BCCI aiming to resume in May after the ceasefire. It mentions challenges with overseas players returning, especially with the WTC final in June. This explains why some players might not return, affecting teams like GT and RCB.

Webpage 7 (Firstpost) also confirms the resumption on May 17 and final on June 3, with playoff dates. It notes that overseas players might not return due to safety concerns, impacting team compositions.

Webpage 8 (Business Standard) discusses BCCI's Plan B, considering southern venues, but the final decision included six venues as per webpage 4 and 5. Also, the impact of overseas players leaving and potential unavailability post-May 25 is mentioned.

Putting this all together: The key points are the resumption date, revised schedule with matches and venues, challenges with overseas players, the PBKS vs DC replay, playoff dates, and the points table standings. I need to highlight the restart date, first match, final date, venues, remaining matches, overseas player issues, and the playoff race. Also, note the replay of the interrupted match and the use of double-headers. Make sure to cite the relevant sources for each piece of information.Key Highlights

Resumption Date & Final

The IPL will resume on May 17, 2025, with the opening match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Bengaluru 158.

The final is scheduled for June 3, 2025, pushed back from the original May 25 date to accommodate security planning and player workload 156.

Revised Schedule & Venues

17 matches remain, including 12 league games, 4 playoffs, and the rescheduled PBKS vs DC fixture (originally abandoned on May 8 due to security concerns). This match will restart from scratch on May 24 in Jaipur 156.

League-stage venues: Bengaluru, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata are excluded due to weather or logistical reasons 58.

Playoff venues: Yet to be finalized, but Ahmedabad is a strong contender 56.

Double Headers & Key Matches

Two double-headers are planned on May 18 and May 25 to expedite the schedule 56.

Notable fixtures:

RCB vs SRH (May 23, Bengaluru)

LSG vs RCB (May 27, Lucknow)

Qualifier 1 (May 29) and Final (June 3) 6.

Overseas Player Challenges

Many overseas stars (e.g., Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Jos Buttler) left India during the suspension and may not return due to safety concerns or international commitments (e.g., WTC Final on June 11) 789.

Teams like RCB, Gujarat Titans (GT), and Delhi Capitals (DC) face potential absences of key players, impacting playoff strategies 57.

Playoff Race & Standings

Top Teams:

Gujarat Titans (GT): 16 points (NRR +0.793)

RCB: 16 points (NRR +0.482)

Punjab Kings (PBKS): 15 points 13.

Eliminated: Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) 18.Player Availability: South African and Australian players (e.g., Kagiso Rabada, Pat Cummins) may exit early for the WTC Final 57.

Logistical Adjustments: Franchises like PBKS lost home advantage (matches shifted to Jaipur), while CSK’s farewell game for MS Dhoni was moved to Delhi 56.

Security & Government Clearance: The BCCI coordinated with Indian authorities to ensure safe resumption post-ceasefire 18.