IPL 2025 Suspended Indefinitely Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions

New Delhi: The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) has been suspended indefinitely by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision was taken on Friday, following high-level consultations and growing concerns over national security.

The development comes a day after the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala was abruptly called off due to air raid alerts in nearby regions, including Jammu and Pathankot. A cloud of uncertainty had surrounded the tournament since then, with safety concerns for players and officials taking precedence.

BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla earlier stated that the board would consult with the central government before taking a call on the tournament’s future. A BCCI official, confirming the decision to suspend the tournament, told PTI: “It does not look nice that cricket goes on while the country is at war.”

This is the second time in recent years that the IPL has been halted mid-season. In 2021, the tournament was paused due to a surge in COVID-19 cases and resumed later in the year at a different venue. While relocation may not be necessary this time, officials acknowledged that finding a new window in the packed international cricket calendar would be challenging.

At the time of suspension, 12 league matches and four knockout games, including the final in Kolkata scheduled for May 25, were yet to be played. Friday’s scheduled match in Lucknow between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru also stood cancelled.

Following India’s missile strikes targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), Pakistan retaliated with aerial attacks and drone activity, triggering blackouts across several Indian districts including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, and Chandigarh.

Amid the escalating conflict, the Pakistan Super League was also moved to the UAE after drone strikes reportedly targeted cities like Lahore and Rawalpindi.

Foreign players participating in the IPL have expressed concerns over safety, with several preparing to leave India in the coming days. A total of 62 overseas players were part of this season, having been signed during last year’s mega auction.

Teams like Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings are currently en route to the national capital from Dharamshala by road, while logistical arrangements are underway to ensure the safe relocation of all players, officials, and support staff.

With the situation continuing to evolve, the BCCI has not yet indicated if or when IPL 2025 might resume.