BCCI suspends IPL 2025 for one week, amid India-Pakistan escalations
The decision came in the wake of India’s missile strikes targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir
By Sistla Dakshina Murthy
BCCI suspends IPL 2025, amid India-Pakistan tensions
New Delhi: The Indian Premier League (IPL) was suspended for one week from Friday due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, casting uncertainty over the remainder of the tournament.
The situation intensified after Thursday’s match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was halted midway, following air raid alerts in the nearby cities of Jammu and Pathankot.
“It does not look appropriate for cricket to continue while the nation faces a serious conflict,” a senior BCCI official told media, confirming that the tournament—originally scheduled to conclude on May 25 in Kolkata—has been put on hold.
The decision came in the wake of India’s missile strikes targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. These actions were carried out two weeks after the devastating April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives.
On Thursday, blackouts were enforced in several parts of Punjab and Chandigarh, including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, and Mohali, amid sirens and unconfirmed reports of explosions near Jammu.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was relocated to the UAE earlier in the day due to similar security concerns.
In a media release, Devajit Saikia, BCCI Honorary Secretary has said, "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 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.
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.
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 BCCI thanks its key stakeholder – Jiostar, the league’s official broadcaster for their understanding and unwavering support. The Board is also grateful to Title sponsor TATA and all associate partners and stakeholders for coming forward with their unequivocal support for this decision and for putting national interest above all other considerations."
