IPL 2025 has been suspended with “immediate effect for one week,” BCCI confirmed it with a statement on Friday. This decision to suspend the league was taken after the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
“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,” board secretary Devajit Saikia said in the 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.”
The decision was taken after a high-stakes meeting of the top brass of the BCCI. It is understood that they’ve discussed various options, like a possible venue change option, before coming to this decision.
This development comes a day after the IPL decided to abandon the match mid-innings between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala on Thursday. The airports near Dharamshala were shut for security reasons. The teams and other IPL staff travelled to Jalandhar by Bus and then took a train to Delhi.
IPL 2025 has completed 25 games to date, which includes the abandoned game in Dharamshala. There are 12 games remaining in the group stage and then the playoffs. If it is not resumed soon enough, then there might not be a window to schedule the rest of the season. India is starting a five-match Test series in England from June 20. After that, the next possible window is in September, when India doesn’t have a series.