NEW DELHI — The
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the IPL 2025 has
been suspended with immediate effect, albeit for one week in the wake of the
India-Pakistan border tensions. The board added that the new schedule and venues
of the tournament will be announced in due course after assessing the
situation.
“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,”
said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia in an official statement.
The decision was taken by the BCCI on Friday after
cross-border tensions intensified on Thursday night, leading to blackouts in
Jammu, Udhampur and Pathankot, as air strikes and drones from Pakistan took
over the skies. It led to the game between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals
being called off at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala after just 10.1 overs of
the first innings was completed.
With the airport in Dharamshala and other north Indian
cities closed, the players and support staff members of both PBKS and DC, along
with match officials, commentators, broadcast crew members and other key
IPL-related personnel were evacuated from Dharamshala by a bus taking them to
Jalandhar on Friday morning, where a special train organised by the tournament
is now taking them to New Delhi.
The BCCI further said the decision was taken by the IPL
Governing Council, comprising Saikia and IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal, 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,” elaborated Saikia.
With the BCCI saying IPL 2025 has been suspended for one
week, it is yet to be known if an alternate window to host the rest of the
tournament will be present immediately or not and what would be the venues of
the remaining games. As of now, IPL 2025 has completed 58 games, with 12
matches left to play in the league stage and followed by the playoffs.
All ten franchises have been informed of the tournament’s
suspension for one week by the BCCI and will start making plans to ensure the
safe departure of all players, support staff and crew members once the MEA
advisory comes on Friday evening.
“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,”
concluded Saikia.
