The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has offered help to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This comes after the BCCI paused the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) for one week. The pause followed rising military tensions between India and Pakistan. As players began leaving, the ECB said it was ready to host the rest of the matches if needed.

ECB Confirms Support

On Friday, ECB chief executive Richard Gould said they are ready to assist. “We will help our counterparts at the BCCI where we can,” he told Mail Online. He also noted that the seven-day break created a complex situation.

IPL Halted Due to Border Tensions

The IPL stopped suddenly after fighting near the India-Pakistan border. Sirens went off in a city less than 100 kilometers from Dharamsala, where Punjab Kings were to face Delhi Capitals. As a result, the BCCI postponed the last 12 group games and all knockout matches.

The board will release a new schedule later. First, they will assess the situation with help from government officials and other partners.

IPL Has Moved Abroad Before

This is not the first time the IPL has moved out of India. In 2020 and 2021, the league shifted to the UAE due to COVID-19. In 2009, it was held in South Africa because of Indian elections. Therefore, hosting the IPL in another country is not new.

England could be a smart choice. Indian players will already be there for a five-Test series starting in June. Also, players from Australia and South Africa will be in England for the World Test Championship final from June 11 to 15.

English Players Begin Leaving India

Meanwhile, many English players have started to fly out. Ten English players took part in this IPL season. Some, like Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Moeen Ali, and Jacob Bethell, left on Thursday night. That was before the official pause was announced on Friday. Others flew to Dubai to wait and watch what happens next.

Final Date Now Uncertain

The IPL final was originally set for May 25 in Kolkata. However, the delay pushes the tournament into June. That could affect England’s own cricket events. Still, the ECB remains positive.

An ECB spokesperson said, “We’re still expecting India’s five-Test tour here beginning next month to go ahead as planned.”