IPL 2025 Suspended for One Week Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions, Confirms BCCI
The development came a day after the IPL decided to abandon Thursday's match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) midway into the first innings.
In a significant development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 “with immediate effect for one week,” citing escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. The announcement was made on Friday afternoon by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia in an official statement.
Saikia noted that the decision was taken after careful consultation with all key stakeholders, including franchise representatives, broadcasters, sponsors, and fans. “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 statement read.
He added that while the BCCI has full confidence in the preparedness and capabilities of India’s armed forces, the Board deemed it prudent to act in the collective interest of players, franchises, partners, and the viewing public.
The IPL Governing Council reportedly received multiple representations from franchisees expressing concern over player safety and the volatile regional situation. The temporary suspension aims to prioritise the well-being of everyone associated with the league, with further developments expected after a security reassessment.
The suspension comes just a day after the IPL was forced to call off Thursday’s match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) midway through the first innings. With the airport in Dharamsala—and nearby areas—closed due to prevailing tensions, players and support staff from both teams had to travel by bus to Jalandhar before boarding a train to Delhi.
As of now, IPL 2025 has completed 58 matches, including the abandoned fixture in Dharamsala. With 12 group-stage matches remaining before the playoffs, uncertainty looms over the tournament’s immediate future.
If the league is unable to resume promptly, scheduling could become increasingly complicated, especially with India’s five-Test tour of England set to begin on June 20. The next feasible window might not arrive until September, a period currently earmarked for the Asia Cup, when India is otherwise free from bilateral commitments.
