BCCI suspends IPL 2025 for one week amid India-Pakistan conflict, says nothing greater than nation

IPL 2025 suspended amid rising tension between India-Pakistan (PTI Photo)

The ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been suspended for one week in the wake of rising tension between India and Pakistan, a statement from BCCI confirmed on Friday. "The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing TATA 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," read the official statement.

"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," it added.

Meanwhile, a cloud of uncertainty had already loomed over the future of the ongoing edition after the encounter between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was abandoned midway. This development took place after the air raid alerts in neighbouring cities of Jammu and Pathankot. BCCI, however, blamed "power outage" behind the decision and conducted the evacuation process in a smooth manner. The players and support staffs of both teams have left for the national capital.

The tension between the two countries rose after Indian Armed Forces (IAF) launched 'Operation Sindoor' - targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The move by Indian Army came in retaliation to the ghastly Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and one local, while leaving several injured at Baisaran Meadows.

The escalating military confrontation had caused significant anxiety among the overseas players and reports of Australian players ready to leave India also emerged. A total of sixty two overseas players were signed up by the ten franchises at the mega-auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia last year.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were scheduled to lock horns on Friday. A total of twelve league matches and four knockout games, including the final in Kolkata, were left to be played at the time of suspension.

Taking note of the existing situation, the cricket board in its statement also mentioned: "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."

Meanwhile, this is the second time IPL has been suspended midway while the tournament is underway. The last time it happened was in 2021 due to an alarming rise of Covid-19 cases across the country. The tournament was later conducted in the months of September-October, which was won by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).