BCCI Suspends IPL 2025 for One Week Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) for one week due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following a series of cross-border incidents. 

The decision, confirmed on Friday, comes after the abrupt cancellation of a match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, prompted by security concerns linked to reported missile and drone activities in several Indian cities.

The Dharamsala match was halted with PBKS at 122/1 after 10.1 overs with floodlights turned off to signal the game’s suspension. A complete blackout was enforced in nearby regions, including Pathankot, Jammu, and Amritsar, amid air raid sirens. The BCCI swiftly arranged a special train to evacuate players from the region to Pathankot, as nearby airports in Dharamsala, Amritsar, and Chandigarh were closed.

Also read: IPL 2025: BCCI To Take Final Call On IPL After Pivotal Meeting, To Keep All Options Open

IPL 2025 Suspended for One Week

Considering the ongoing scenario in the country, the BCCI took a call to suspend the IPL for one week, sharing that a new schedule will be formed and the venue announcement will be made in due time.

"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 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," the media release read.

The BCCI further expressed its solidarity with the nation, including the government, armed forces and its citizens.

"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," it added.

The decision follows India’s military operation, dubbed "Operation Sindoor," targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.

On Friday morning, the Punjab and Delhi teams, along with the broadcast crew and match officials, were safely transported from Dharamsala by the BCCI. Sources indicate that the emergency evacuation left several players and support staff from both teams shaken, with a sense of unease also gripping overseas players across other franchises, many of whom are accompanied by their families.

To ensure players’ safe return home, IPL franchises are taking proactive measures. At least three teams have confirmed to The Indian Express that they are arranging chartered flights for their players and support staff. A franchise official said, 

"If players from other franchises also want to join, we would facilitate that as well. For now we are waiting to hear from the BCCI."

Potential Window for IPL 2025 Resumption 

The IPL, which began on March 22 with 10 teams playing 74 matches, was scheduled to end on May 25. 16 games are yet to be played.

While the BCCI has not specified a resumption timeline, a potential window in August-September could be considered if the IPL 2025 does not resume after a week, though this may conflict with India’s scheduled tour of Bangladesh and the Asia Cup. Both events are now in doubt due to the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict and strained diplomatic relations with Bangladesh. 

At the same time, the Pakistan Super League 2025 (PSL 2025) has shifted to Dubai.

Also read: IPL 2025: Australian Players In IPL Weigh In On Going Home As Tensions Rise In Cross-Border Firing