The BCCI has suspended IPL 2025 in light of rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday decided to suspend the remainder of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season for one week with immediate effect. The decision comes in light of the rising military tension between India and Pakistan and growing security concerns following cross-border attacks.
This suspension was announced after a meeting of the IPL Governing Council, which consulted all key stakeholders, including franchise owners, team management, broadcasters, and sponsors.
Many of the franchisees expressed the concerns of their players, especially overseas cricketers. The safety and well-being of all players, staff, and fans were cited as the primary reason behind the suspension.
Why was the decision taken?
Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated over the last few days, especially after Pakistan launched drone and missile strikes targeting 15 Indian cities, including Jammu, Pathankot, and Amritsar. However, the Indian military intercepted these attacks and responded swiftly.
Earlier on Tuesday, India attacked with precision missile strikes on nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These included the headquarters of terrorist outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Bahawalpur and Muridke, respectively.
These Indian counter-strikes were carried out in retaliation for the horrifying terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people, most of them tourists, lost their lives. As part of a broader national security response, the Indian government has imposed blackouts and red alerts in several sensitive areas, including Srinagar, Jammu, Rajouri, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Bhuj, and more.
Given the volatile situation, the BCCI said it was only right to put cricket on hold. In a statement, the Board expressed full confidence in India’s armed forces but emphasised that acting in the collective interest of everyone involved in the IPL was the most responsible course of action.
“While cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing greater than the Nation and its sovereignty, integrity, and security. 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 statement read.
“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,” the statement added.
🚨 News 🚨
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 9, 2025
The remainder of ongoing #TATAIPL 2025 suspended with immediate effect for one week.
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Overseas players express concern
One of the most pressing challenges now facing the BCCI is how to ensure the safe return of overseas players, especially those who are near the border regions. A report in the Sydney Morning Herald revealed that many Australia cricketers are anxious and keen to leave India as soon as possible. Several top Australia stars, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Marcus Stoinis, are currently in India as part of different IPL franchises.
The recent match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dharamshala had to be abandoned midway due to a citywide blackout, triggered by air raid alerts in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. During the chaos, a video of an IPL cheerleader went viral, in which she described the panic that gripped the stadium after announcements about incoming bomb threats were made. This alarming incident has added to the urgency for player safety.
“We just want to get out of Dharamshala. Everyone was screaming that bombs are coming. It was very, very scary,” the cheerleader said in the video.
What’s next?
With 58 matches already played in IPL 2025, only 16 games, including four playoffs including the final, remain. The final was originally scheduled to be held on May 25. As of May 9, Gujarat Titans are leading the points table with 16 points from 11 games, followed closely by Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings, who also have 16 points.
At present, the BCCI has not provided a revised schedule for the remaining matches. Officials have stated that a new plan will be announced after assessing the situation in coordination with government agencies and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). A key meeting between the franchises and government officials is expected on Friday evening, where details of the exit plans for international players will also be discussed.
Franchise teams are currently waiting for further instructions about how and when to begin sending their Indian and foreign players, support staff, and crew members back to their respective homes or countries. For now, many are being moved to secure locations under strict security protocols.
Prudent decision. Player welfare and public sentiment comes first. #TataIPL2025
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 9, 2025
Several boards watching the situation closely
Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation not just in India but also in Pakistan, where the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was also ongoing. The PSL has already been relocated to Dubai due to rising regional instability.
“We continue to get regular updates from the Australian Government, the BCCI, PCB, and other local authorities. We’re also in direct contact with our players and support staff to ensure they’re safe and well-informed,” a CA spokesperson said.
Other national cricket boards, including those from England, South Africa, New Zealand, and the West Indies, are also keeping in touch with their players and the BCCI to explore the safest possible exit strategies.
Until then, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of every individual involved and extending full support to the nation and its armed forces during these difficult times.
#IPL suspended for a week. Overseas players to be assisted to fly out. Resumption of tournament with fresh itinerary to be reviewed by #BCCI in consultation with government and internal security agencies.
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) May 9, 2025
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