India-Pakistan Ceasefire: When Will IPL & PSL Start?

The ceasefire between India and Pakistan was announced yesterday. Now the question is, when can the IPL and PSL, which were suspended due to the conflict between the two countries, start?

Cricket news says that the IPL can start again on May 15. In the meantime, the franchises have started the process of bringing back foreign players and coaching staff. On the other hand, the PSL has also started to start. However, the Pakistani media could not give any specific date.

BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla told news agency PTI, "The war has stopped. Now in the new situation, the BCCI officials and the IPL Governing Council will discuss the matter on Sunday (May 11) and take the next decision. Let's see what is the most suitable time to complete the remaining matches of the tournament."

The match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala on May 8 was canceled due to the war situation. Then came the announcement of postponing the tournament for a week. If the IPL starts again on May 15, then there will be a break of exactly one week.

On the other hand, a PCB source told Pakistani media outlet Geo News that the remaining eight matches of the PSL may be held in Rawalpindi. That source told the media outlet that instructions have already been given to six franchises to keep foreign players in Dubai and to keep domestic players ready.

If the IPL starts again from May 15, what will happen to the foreign cricketers of this league? livecricketbd reported that most of the foreign players and staff left India between May 9 and 10. Those of them who are on their way have been asked to stop for now. The coaching staff of some franchises have changed their decision to leave India.

In this regard, Gujarat Titans are in a relatively good position among the teams. Because only two foreign players of the team, Jos Buttler and Gerald Coetzee, have left the country. The franchise is working to bring them back.

The franchises hope that most of the foreign players will return when the IPL starts in May. However, problems may arise if the tournament starts after May 25. Because many players have bilateral series at that time. The World Test Championship final will be held at Lord's on June 11, where South Africa will play against Australia. Australian media outlet The Sydney Morning Herald reported that even if the IPL starts, many Australian cricketers will not return to India to play the IPL.

57 matches have been played in the IPL so far. The 58th match on May 8 was stopped midway. It is not yet certain whether it will be resumed or not.

Apart from that, there are 12 matches of the league phase and four play-off matches left. Three venues in the southern region of India, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, are being considered as possible new venues. There are still seven teams in the race for the play-offs in the tournament. Only Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals have been eliminated.