NEW DELHI, Friday, May 09, 2025 (WNP): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for one week with immediate effect, citing the escalating military conflict between India and Pakistan, according to an official statement issued on Friday.
The decision follows the abrupt abandonment of Thursday’s match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala, initially attributed to a power failure. However, reports later revealed that the disruption coincided with air raid alerts in nearby cities including Jammu and Pathankot, raising security concerns.
“This decision was made after extensive consultations with franchise owners, broadcasters, sponsors, and government stakeholders,” said BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia. “While the BCCI has full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, it was deemed prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders.”
Saikia said the governing body would reassess the situation before announcing a revised schedule and venue plan for the remaining fixtures. “Further updates will be provided after a comprehensive review in consultation with relevant authorities,” he added.
In a strong show of national solidarity, the BCCI emphasized that “while cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing greater than the nation and its sovereignty, integrity, and security.” The Board reiterated its commitment to support all efforts safeguarding India, affirming that its decisions would remain aligned with the country’s best interests.
According to the Press Trust of India (PTI), Thursday’s match cancellation added to the growing uncertainty over the future of this season’s tournament. “It does not look nice that cricket goes on while the country is at war,” a senior BCCI official told PTI, confirming the temporary suspension.
The IPL 2025 season, which began on March 22 and was slated to conclude on May 25 in Kolkata, had reached Match 58 before the suspension. According to ESPN Cricinfo, 12 league matches remain, scheduled to be held in Lucknow (2), Hyderabad, Ahmedabad (3), Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru (2), Mumbai, and Jaipur, followed by the playoffs in Hyderabad and Kolkata.
The suspension comes amid soaring regional tensions after India launched “Operation Sindoor” on Wednesday, striking what it claimed were terrorist targets inside Pakistani territory in response to a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last month that killed 26 people. New Delhi named two Pakistani nationals as suspects and accused Islamabad of backing the attack—allegations Pakistan has strongly denied. Islamabad has since called for an independent investigation into the incident.
As border hostilities intensify, the IPL—the world’s richest cricket tournament—has become another casualty of the geopolitical crisis gripping South Asia. Whether the tournament resumes as planned will depend on how the evolving military and diplomatic situation unfolds in the days ahead.
