IPL 2025: Possible venues if tournament moves out of India

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was abandoned on May 8 in Dharamshala. This came amid a blackout in the hill town, triggered by missile and drone strikes from Pakistan in Jammu and other areas. As a result, cricket has understandably taken a backseat and the BCCI has suspended the tournament for a week.

All 10 franchises now await further instructions: Will the IPL resume after the one-week pause, or will the league be relocated outside India? Teams are also seeking guidance on how to safely send players, support staff, and crew members back home.

Where could IPL 2025 be shifted if not India?

The Indian board is reportedly exploring the September window to host the remaining IPL matches. However, if the league has to move abroad, three countries have emerged as potential hosts for the remainder of the tournament: the UAE, England, and South Africa.

The UAE

In 2014, the IPL was partially held in the UAE, with the tournament returning to India midway. Now, with IPL 2025 suspended, India has reportedly reached out to the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to host the remaining matches.

However, some reports say the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had already booked Dubai for the remainder of PSL 10. While there are claims that the UAE declined PSL hosting rights, no official confirmation has been made.

🚨 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 🚨

BCCI in talks to shift #IPL2025 to UAE as they have refused to host PSL.

Most likely the remaining matches to shift to Dubai ✅#IPL | #IndiaPakistanWar | #IPLSuspended pic.twitter.com/7RRpjXrReO

— Manendra Kumar (@ManendraKu58454) May 9, 2025

Meanwhile, the PCB confirmed on Friday that the rest of PSL 10—including playoffs and the final—will be moved to the UAE due to regional tensions.

PSL has been shifted to Dubai

Dubai has declined the Proposal of organizing IPL in Dubai's Stadiums

India propaganda in mud #PSL2025 pic.twitter.com/xcWRBJ5qSt

— ЅᏦᎽ (@13hamdard) May 9, 2025

England

England entered the conversation after former England cricketer Michael Vaughan suggested the idea on social media. He tweeted on X (formerly known as Twitter), "I wonder if it’s possible to finish the IPL in the UK. We have all the venues, and the Indian players can then stay on for the Test series. Just a thought?"

I wonder if it’s possible to finish the IPL in the UK .. We have all the venues and the Indian players can then stay on for the Test series .. Just a thought ?

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 9, 2025

South Africa

In 2009, the entire IPL season was moved to South Africa due to its clash with India's general elections. This precedent has led many to believe that South Africa could be a viable option for finishing the 2025 season.

IPL 2025 SUSPENDED
it may be hosted in South Africa #IPL2025#IndiaPakistanWar #OperationSindhoor2 https://t.co/RRhm3E9KdI

— Ravi Pratap Patel (@Ravi1710patel) May 9, 2025

About IPL 2025

The tournament was at the business end with the race to the Playoffs having begun. Three teams: Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) having already been eliminated from the Top 4 race. 

The rest were fighting for their spot with Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sitting with 16 points to their name at No. 1 and No. 2 respectively.