By Alisha Shah 
The BCCI has decided to suspend IPL 2025 for one week, stating that a new schedule will be announced after a “comprehensive assessment of the situation.”
The Indian Premier League has been suspended for a week amid rising security concerns following the military escalation between India and Pakistan, the BCCI announced on Friday. The announcement comes after the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals clash in Dharamsala was called off due to security issues. The venue is located less than 100 kilometers from Pathankot, where air raid alerts were sounding, prompting the BCCI to take the call.
“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,” the BCCI said in its official release.
“The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchises, 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,” the statement further read.
The match in Dharamsala, which had started later than scheduled due to rain, was halted abruptly when floodlights in the stadium went out. Initially believed to be a technical glitch, the situation quickly escalated when players and officials were notified of the security risks posed by the air raid alerts. A player also told the Indian Express that there was “panic” among both teams, and foreign players were particularly concerned for their safety. Australian media had previously reported that their players had also expressed concerns over their safety and were “ready” to return home.
The crowd in Dharamsala, which had filled up about 80% of the stadium’s capacity, was evacuated for security reasons. Fans were also heard screaming anti-Pakistan slogans as they made their way out of the venue. In the aftermath, the BCCI, along with the IPL’s governing body, reviewed the rapidly developing security situation.
In its statement, the BCCI also expressed solidarity with the Indian government and the Indian Army.
“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,” read BCCI’s release.
The immediate impact of the security threats has already been felt, as flights to and from Dharamsala have been suspended, with the team buses being redirected for a safe exit.
Tension between India, Pakistan
In a significant retaliation following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians, mostly tourists, dead, India launched precision missile strikes on terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The offensive, targeting key camps of terrorist groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, marked a decisive retaliation aimed at dismantling cross-border terror networks.
The strikes were followed by intensified military alertness along the border, prompting security measures across several Indian states. By Thursday, a state of elevated alert was visible on the ground. Many districts across Punjab Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, enforced complete blackouts amidst air raid sirens and reports of explosion-like sounds in Jammu.
On the night of May 8, Pakistan launched an attack on multiple Indian cities across the border, including Jammu and Pabankot, as well as areas in Punjab and Rajasthan. These attacks were successfully neutralised by the Indian Armed Forces.
Earlier in the day, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the remnant of the Pakistan Super League would be shifted to the UAE.
The decision to suspend IPL 2025 for a week seems necessary given the current security concerns, but it’s disappointing for fans who were eagerly following the tournament. It’s understandable that player safety comes first, but I wonder if there were alternative solutions to avoid disrupting the schedule entirely. The abrupt halt during the Dharamsala match must have been chaotic for everyone involved, especially the players. It’s good that the BCCI is consulting with all stakeholders, but I hope the new schedule doesn’t compromise the quality of the tournament. How will this suspension impact the overall momentum and performance of the teams? Also, what measures are being taken to ensure such situations don’t arise again in the future? I’d love to hear more about the steps being taken to reassure players and fans alike.
The decision to suspend IPL 2025 for a week seems necessary given the current security concerns, but it’s still disappointing for fans who were eagerly following the tournament. It’s understandable that player safety comes first, especially with the escalating tensions in the region. However, I wonder if there could have been alternative solutions, like relocating matches to safer venues, instead of a complete suspension. The abrupt halt during the Dharamsala match must have been chaotic for the players and officials involved. How will this suspension impact the overall momentum and excitement of the tournament? Also, what measures are being taken to ensure such disruptions don’t happen again in the future? I hope the BCCI and relevant authorities can resolve this swiftly and provide a clear plan moving forward.