The 2025 edition of the IPL has been suspended with immediate effect, for one week. The BCCI official confirmed that the boards wants to stand with the nation amid rising cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan and for now, the tournament has been postponed. If there is a window available at a later date, the BCCI might plan to hold the remaining 16 matches of the 18th edition of the IPL but for now, the tournament stands suspended.
"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing 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 statement read.
"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 disruptions with regard to the IPL began after 27 airports in the northern and western parts of India were closed down for safety purposes. Two of the airports were in the cities belonging to the home venues of the Punjab Kings - Dharamsala and Chandigarh. Although Chandigarh matches were done, the closure of Kangra airport in Dharamsala meant a logistical nightmare for teams travelling to and from the mountain area. While the Sunday clash between the Punjab Kings and the Mumbai Indians was shifted to Ahmedabad, the Thursday game against the Delhi Capitals stayed put in Dharamsala.
Since the Capitals were already in Dharamsala, the game moved ahead, but a blackout being enforced in several districts, including Pathankot, which is closest to the venue, didn't help. A stadium with floodlights on, hosting a high-profile match like the IPL, with the spectator number going up to thousands, didn't make for a good look. Both teams were swiftly moved out of the stadium to the hotel and left Dharamsala on Friday morning in a special train arranged by the BCCI.
"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 said further in its statement.
A blackout was observed in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, in Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh amid air raid alarms and reports of explosion-like sounds in Jammu.
Earlier, the PSL was moved out of Pakistan to the UAE after a drone attack at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
