IPL 2025 suspended for one week as military tensions escalate between India and Pakistan
The BCCI has decided to suspend IPL 2025 for one week, stating that a new schedule will be announced after a "comprehensive assessment of the situation."
The Indian Premier League has been suspended for a week amid mounting security concerns following the military escalation between India and Pakistan, the BCCI announced on Friday. The announcement comes after the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals clash in Dharamsala was called off due to safety issues. The venue is located less than 100 kilometres from Pathankot, where air raid alerts were sounded, prompting the BCCI to take the call.
"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing TATA IPL 2025 with immediate effect for one week. Further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders," the BCCI said in its official release.
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“The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans; while the BCCI reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the Board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders,” the statement further read.
The match in Dharamsala, which had started later than scheduled due to rain, was abruptly halted when floodlights in the stadium went out. Initially believed to be a technical glitch, the situation quickly escalated when players and officials were informed of the security risks posed by the air raid alerts. A player also told the Indian Express that there was “panic” among both teams, and foreign players were particularly worried for their safety. Australian media had earlier reported that their players had also expressed concerns over their safety and were “ready” to return home.
The crowd in Dharamsala, which had filled up about 80% of the stadium’s capacity, was evacuated for safety reasons. Fans were also heard shouting anti-Pakistan slogans as they made their way out of the venue. In the aftermath, the BCCI, along with the IPL’s governing body, reviewed the rapidly evolving security situation.
In its statement, the BCCI also expressed solidarity with the Indian government and the Indian Armed Forces.
“At this critical juncture, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation. We express our solidarity with the Government of India, the Armed Forces and the people of our country. The Board salutes the bravery, courage, and selfless service of our armed forces, whose heroic efforts under Operation Sindoor continue to protect and inspire the nation, as they lead a resolute response to the recent terrorist attack and the unwarranted aggression by Pakistan’s armed forces,” read BCCI's release.
The immediate impact of the security threats has already been felt, as flights to and from Dharamsala have been suspended, with the team buses being redirected for a safer exit.
Tensions between India, Pakistan
In a significant retaliation following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians, mostly tourists, dead, India launched precision missile strikes on terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The offensive, targeting key camps of terror groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, marked a decisive retaliation aimed at dismantling cross-border terror networks.
The strikes were followed by heightened military alertness along the border, prompting security measures across several Indian states. By Thursday, a state of heightened alert was visible on the ground. Multiple districts across Punjab; Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, enforced complete blackouts amid air raid sirens and reports of explosion-like sounds in Jammu.
On the night of May 8, Pakistan launched an attack on multiple Indian cities across the border, including Jammu and Pathankot, as well as areas in Punjab and Rajasthan. These attacks were successfully neutralised by the Indian Armed Forces.
Earlier in the day, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the remainder of the Pakistan Super League would be shifted to the UAE.
