When the IPL Left India: South Africa, the UAE and a Season Split in Two
Elections, a pandemic and a mid-season suspension. The four times the IPL was played wholly or partly abroad.
The IPL is an Indian league, played in Indian cities in front of Indian crowds. But four times in its history, events forced it to pack up and move, completely or in part. Each time, the tournament found a way to finish.
2009: a whole season in South Africa
The second IPL season clashed with India's general election, and the security forces needed for the matches were needed for the polls. With only weeks to go, the league moved the entire tournament to South Africa.
It worked better than anyone expected. Crowds turned up, the slower pitches suited spin bowling, and Anil Kumble took 5 for 5 in Cape Town. The Deccan Chargers, last in 2008, beat Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final in Johannesburg.
2014: the UAE leg
Another general election fell during the 2014 season. This time the first part of the tournament was played in the United Arab Emirates, in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, before the league came home to India for the rest of the season. Kolkata Knight Riders won the title.
2020: a season behind closed doors
The Covid-19 pandemic pushed the 2020 IPL from its usual spring slot to September to November, and moved all of it to the UAE. Every match was played without spectators, with the players living in strict bio-secure bubbles. Mumbai Indians won their fifth title, beating Delhi Capitals in the final in Dubai.
2021: a season split in two
The 2021 season started in India but was suspended in May after Covid-19 cases were found inside the team bubbles. The remaining matches were played in the UAE in September and October, and Chennai Super Kings beat Kolkata in the final in Dubai.
And 2025: a pause, not a move
In May 2025 the league was paused for a week because of military tensions between India and Pakistan. This time it stayed in India, restarting on 17 May, with the final played on 3 June in Ahmedabad.
What the seasons abroad showed
Every time the IPL has had to move, it has finished the season. The UAE and South Africa gave players different conditions, sometimes favouring spin and slower bowlers, and the league proved it could run a tournament almost anywhere. But fans and franchises agree on one thing: the IPL is at its best in full Indian stadiums.
Stats in this chapter are correct to the end of the 2025 IPL season.
