Saturday, March 29, 2025
In light of escalating tensions and a war-like scenario between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 indefinitely. The decision follows serious security concerns after a series of cross-border developments and direct threats near match venues.
The suspension comes after India launched “Operation Sindoor” targeting terror camps in Pakistan, in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Following this, Pakistan reportedly attempted missile strikes on Indian cities, further pushing bilateral tensions to their peak. This environment made the continuation of a national sporting event untenable, said BCCI officials.
A senior BCCI official told PTI, “It doesn’t feel right to continue playing cricket when the country is on the edge of war.” Thursday’s match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala was the first casualty, cancelled due to air raid alerts issued in nearby Jammu and Pathankot.
So far, 58 matches have been played in IPL Season 18, with 12 league matches and playoffs still remaining. The tournament, which began on March 22 with 10 teams competing in 74 scheduled matches, was supposed to culminate in a grand final at Eden Gardens on May 25.
The decision has also been influenced by the growing concern among foreign players about their safety in India amidst heightened military activity and emergency protocols. With no confirmed timeline or plan in place, BCCI has said the remainder of the tournament will only resume once the national security situation stabilizes.
There is speculation that the remaining matches could be shifted to international venues, though no formal discussion has been disclosed. BCCI has not ruled out this possibility, but insists that national interest remains the top priority.
As of now, cricket fans, franchises, and players are left in uncertainty: Will IPL 2025 resume later this year? Will remaining matches be played overseas? Or is this season effectively over? The answers remain unclear, but the message from BCCI is firm — safety comes first.
