'We have sleeper cells...': Delhi and District Cricket Association receives threat mail amid escalating IND-PAK tensions

Arun Jaitley Stadium receives bomb threat. (Photo: X)

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) received an anonymous email on Friday threatening to blow up its Arun Jaitley stadium amid the ongoing India-Pakistan crisis, as per Times of India.

The IPL's Delhi Capital team is based in the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the nation's capital. On May 11, the IPL 2025 match between the DC and Gujarat Titans was scheduled to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

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The specifics state that at 9:00 AM on Friday (May 9), the DDCA got a threat email stating: “We’ve Pak faithful sleeper cells across India. We will activate them for Op Sindoor. We will blast your stadium.”

The DDCA swiftly reported the incident to Delhi Police after receiving the threat.

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According to sources, the latest incident came two days after India's Operation Sindoor, in which the Indian Armed Forces, in reaction to a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that murdered 26 tourists, destroyed nine terror facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) played their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 29.

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Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declared on Friday that it has made the decision to immediately postpone the remaining IPL 2025 games for a week.

Devajit Saikia, the secretary of the BCCI, issued the media advisory and stated that, following a thorough analysis of the situation in collaboration with pertinent authorities and stakeholders, more information about the tournament's revised schedule and locations will be made public.

"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," BCCI said in a 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."

“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 thanks its key stakeholder – Jiostar, the league’s official broadcaster for their understanding and unwavering support. The Board is also grateful to Title sponsor TATA and all associate partners and stakeholders for coming forward with their unequivocal support for this decision and for putting national interest above all other considerations," the BCCI added.