The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was suspended for a week on Friday, May 9. This decision was taken considering the recent geopolitical tension between India and Pakistan.
Match No. 58 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was abandoned mid-way into the first innings on May 8. Only 16 games (12 league matches and four playoffs) remain in the league this season. Some reports have suggested that the Punjab Kings versus Delhi Capitals encounter will be replayed. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding this.
Most of the overseas players have returned home. However, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal is hopeful that they will reunite with their teams before the tournament resumes. Some fans, however, have been wondering what would happen if IPL 2025 gets cancelled altogether.
What if IPL 2025 gets cancelled? Who will be declared the Champion?
IPL 2025 was suspended while it was in a very crucial juncture. Teams were jostling for spots in the playoffs. In fact, Punjab Kings would have been the first team to reach the playoffs this season had they won the clash against Delhi.
Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), PBKS, and Mumbai Indians (MI) are the top four teams on the IPL 2025 points table. Both Gujarat and Bengaluru have 16 points from 11 games. However, the former champions are positioned at the top of the table due to their superior net run rate (NRR).
According to reports, a cancelled match can cost the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) around INR 100-125 crore. Even with insurance cover, they will lose about INR 60 crore in each cancelled game. If five-seven games are missed during the one-week break, the BCCI could lose INR 300-420 crore. The losses would be much more severe if the entire season gets cancelled.
How much money BCCI lost per game after IPL 2025 suspension
The ten IPL teams will also incur losses as they get a share of the BCCI’s TV and sponsor money, called the central revenue pool. The broadcasters could lose a third of their ad money.
As far as declaring a champion is concerned, the decision will be in the BCCI’s court. They can either cancel the tournament without naming a winner or give the title to the Gujarat Titans, as they are placed at the top of the table after playing 11 matches. However, there is no official word available on this.
