IPL targets May 16 to 30 window to finish league

The Indian Premier League (IPL) could restart by May 16, exactly a week after it was suspended on May 9 after escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan.

- Rasesh Mandani

MUMBAI:

Acting on the ceasefire announcement between the two nations the previous day marking an end to hostilities, IPL officials held a conference call on Sunday and earmarked a window between May 16-30 to complete the remaining 17 matches of the current edition.

These plans would be contingent upon there being no escalation in the ground situation at the border. To avoid complications and to facilitate timely completion of the tournament, a plan restricting the remaining league matches to southern venues Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru could be implemented.

Whether Qualifier 2 and the final stay in Kolkata — rain is forecast towards the month-end — remains to be seen. Ahmedabad is one of the standby venues for the playoffs as well as any league match.