New Delhi, May 9 – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially suspended the Indian Premier League (IPL) for one week, citing escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan. The announcement comes a day after the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamshala was called off midway due to air raid alerts in Jammu and Pathankot, sparking uncertainty over the tournament's future.
As per agency report, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia issued a statement on Friday, confirming the suspension of all remaining IPL matches with immediate effect. While earlier reports indicated an indefinite suspension, the board has now clarified that the league is on hold for one week, pending a comprehensive review of the security situation in coordination with relevant authorities.
The 2025 IPL season was scheduled to conclude on May 25 in Kolkata, with 12 league matches and four knockout games still to be played. The board hinted that a revised schedule will be shared in due course and added that if the Asia Cup—slated for September—is cancelled, that window could be used to complete the remaining IPL fixtures.
In its statement, the BCCI emphasized its solidarity with the nation during what it described as a critical moment. “We stand firmly with the Government of India, our Armed Forces, and the people of this country,” the board declared. “We salute the bravery and commitment of our Armed Forces, whose valiant efforts under ‘Operation Sindoor’ have not only safeguarded the nation but also inspired millions.”
The board added, “While cricket is a national passion, it can never be placed above the integrity and security of the nation. BCCI remains committed to making decisions in the best interest of the country.”
The board also thanked broadcasters, title sponsors, and other stakeholders for prioritizing national interest and supporting the suspension.
Tensions surged following India's missile strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under ‘Operation Sindoor’, in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 civilians. Following these developments, multiple cities in Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh imposed precautionary blackouts due to security alerts.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been shifted to the UAE after drone strikes near Lahore and Rawalpindi. Sources within the IPL say that the military standoff has alarmed many foreign players, several of whom are preparing to leave India in the coming days. This season’s auction saw 62 international players signed across 10 franchises.
A team official stated, “The players are safe, but naturally concerned given the current situation.” Players from Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings are currently traveling back to Delhi from Dharamshala by road.
Friday’s scheduled match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants has been postponed. Following the suspension, Lucknow Super Giants posted on social media, “Nation comes first,” while Kolkata Knight Riders wrote, “Our shield is the Indian Armed Forces. Nation first.”
Cricket Australia said it is monitoring the situation in India and Pakistan closely from Sydney, and the New Zealand Cricketers’ Association also expressed concern about the regional security environment.
This is not the first time IPL has been disrupted due to external circumstances. In 2009, the tournament was held in South Africa due to general elections in India. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the league being conducted in the UAE in September. The following year, IPL was paused midway due to a surge in COVID-19 cases among players and was resumed later in the year.
The Indian national team is scheduled to tour England next month for a five-Test series, which will conclude in August—raising further questions about finding a suitable window to complete the 2025 IPL season if the suspension extends beyond the initial week.
