Could England host the remainder of the IPL?

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is open to hosting the rest of the Indian Premier League in September.

The 2025 tournament was suspended on May 9 after cross-border tension between India and Pakistan intensified.

Matches in both the IPL and the Pakistan Super League were abandoned. Schedules were torn up and foreign players were told to book flights home.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said it would relocate its final eight matches to the UAE. But the Emirates Cricket Board then reconsidered.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the IPL had only been paused for a week. But with 16 matches left and players flying home, its future is unclear.

Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, has contacted his BCCI counterparts to offer support.

A senior ECB source said England could host matches in September but added “no active discussions” are taking place.

A similar offer came in 2021 when the Covid pandemic paused the IPL. That edition was later held in the UAE.

The IPL was suspended after a match in Dharamsala between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abandoned. A military base in Pathankot, 80km away, was targeted by what Indian officials called “missiles and drones”.

Floodlights were switched off and fans were evacuated. Players were rushed from the ground, still wearing pads.

Dharamsala is now one of 27 Indian airports closed due to security concerns. The teams stayed overnight before travelling to Delhi by train.

Devajit Saikia, BCCI secretary, said: “Further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders.

“The decision had been taken following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans.”

The BCCI must now decide how to complete the season. Twelve group matches remain, along with four playoff fixtures.

The IPL has previously been relocated four times.

In 2009, it was held in South Africa due to a clash with elections. In 2014, the UAE hosted the first half. In 2020 and 2021, the UAE hosted again due to the pandemic.

The PSL’s suspension followed claims that an Indian drone missile damaged the area around the Rawalpindi stadium. The match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings was postponed.

Mohsin Naqvi, PCB chair, said the attack was “extremely irresponsible” and “reckless”.

The PCB later confirmed the PSL was suspended. It said this followed advice from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

It added: “National attention and sentiments are rightly focused on the courageous efforts of the armed forces who are vociferously upholding the sovereignty of our beloved Pakistan.”

“We also have sincere regard for the mental well-being of participating players and the sentiments of our foreign players and we respect the concerns of their families who want to see them back home.”

Seven English players were in the PSL and 10 in the IPL. All are expected to return to the UK this weekend.