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IPL season temporarily suspended amid rising India-Pakistan tensions
Nicholas Quinlan • May 10th, 2025 9:30 am
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended the IPL season for at least a week due to the rising conflict between India and Pakistan.
This comes about after the match between the Punjab Kings and the Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was recorded as a no result due to an electrical failure, which has been reported to be potentially related to the conflict.
The conflict between the two nations has risen in intensity over the last two weeks.
It has now reached the point where the BCCI has made a decision on Friday night (NZST) to suspend the season at least for one week amid these safety concerns.
“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,” the BCCI stated.
“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.
“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.”
This is not the first time that the IPL has been forced to change their season as a result of a conflict.
In 2009, the tournament was played in South Africa due to security concerns for the IPL teams following a terrorist attack in Lahore, which targeted the Sri Lankan cricket team’s bus.
However, if the IPL decides to continue the season after the suspension, relocation for this year’s tournament may prove to be difficult.
The UAE, which has previously held the entire 2020 IPL season and half of the 2021 edition, is currently playing host to the remainder of the PSL (Pakistan Super League) in the country making those grounds unavailable for use for the IPL.
If the tournament was to continue after the week's suspension this might mean that the remaining 16 games could be played in the south of India to get as far away as possible from the Pakistan-India border.
Although, at this current stage, it remains unclear whether the competition will restart in a week’s time and, if so, what players will be available for selection as overseas players consider whether they want to stay in India or return to their home countries to their families and loved ones.
More information about what the BCCI will do regarding the remainder of the IPL season is expected to come to light during the week as they continue having conversations with key stakeholders.
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