IPL 2025 suspended for a week with immediate effect: BCCI
The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s top brass got together virtually to discuss the matter after escalation of India-Pakistan tensions on Thursday night
The ongoing edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) has been suspended in wake of the ongoing border tensions between India and Pakistan with immediate effect for a week’s time according to a BCCI statement.
“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,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement.
“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 said.
“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,” said the BCCI.
“While cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing greater than the Nation and its sovereignty, integrity, and security of our country. The BCCI remains firmly committed to support all efforts that safeguard India and will always align its decisions in the best interest of the nation.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s top brass got together virtually, earlier in the day to discuss the matter after escalation of India-Pakistan tensions on Thursday night.
BCCI officials have had consultations with government officials over the matter. The decision to pause the tournament was arrived at after a number of overseas players and coaches were uncomfortable to continue playing in the prevailing situation.
If the tournament, cannot resume in a week, efforts will be made to reschedule the remainder of the tournament in another window later in the year. Thirteen league matches, including the suspended match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings on Thursday as well as four playoff matches are remaining to be played.
The Indian cricket team will be undertaking a five-Test tour of England in June and July. The next available opportunity may only be after monsoon in India. The IPL will take precedence over any other Indian bilateral cricket, given the tournament’s commercial heft. The availability of overseas players is something that would have to be worked around with other cricket boards.
There is precedent of that happening in 2021 when the IPL was suspended following Covid outbreak. The remainder of the tournament was then completed in the UAE, later in the year.
The IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharmshala was cancelled midway following air raid alerts in neighbouring cities of Jammu and Pathankot. Players, match officials and broadcast crew are currently known to be safely transferred from Dharmshala to Delhi by train.
