In the wake of India-Pak conflict, BCCI suspends IPL for a week
ET Bureau May 10, 2025 03:00 AM
Synopsis

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has suspended the Indian Premier League 2025. The suspension is effective immediately and will last for one week. This decision follows escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The board will announce a revised schedule later. The decision came after consulting with stakeholders. JioStar supports the decision.

IPL trophy
The BCCI on Friday announced suspension of the remainder of the IPL 2025 for one week, effective immediately, amid the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan.

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A revised schedule and venue list will be announced after a thorough assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a 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,” he said.

The suspension follows the cancellation of Thursday’s match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala midway. Close to a billion dollars in advertising revenue is tied to IPL 2025 across television, digital platforms, team sponsorships, and central partnerships. The advertising industry, for now, is adopting a wait-and-watch approach. “I don’t think anyone is looking to make drastic decisions right now — it’s a sensitive situation, and emotions are running high,” a senior executive at a leading media agency said.

Another agency head added that while disruptions are challenging, advertisers typically maintain their commit- ments unless the tournament is significantly impacted. So far, 58 matches have been played, including the abandoned Dharamsala game, out of the 74 matches. “Clients usually don’t pull out of deals in situations like this,” the executive said. “But if IPL is shortened, payments will likely be settled on a pro-rata basis for the inventory used.”

Industry executives pointed out that most contracts include a force majeure clause to address exceptional scenarios like these. Saikia reiterated BCCI’s unwavering faith in India’s armed forces and thanked partners such as JioStar, Tata, and other sponsors for their steadfast support. “While cricket is a national passion, there is nothing more important than the sovereignty, integrity, and security of our country,” he said.

JioStar, the league’s official broadcaster, expressed full support for the decision. “At this time, we must stand united with our country, support the government and our armed forces, and extend solidarity and support to the civilians affected,” the company stated. JioStar said it would work with the BCCI to resume the tournament at an appropriate time and ensure safe return for everyone involved in the broadcast.

ET had earlier reported that insurance premiums for IPL 2025 have nearly doubled from last season, following widespread disruptions in 2024 due to adverse weather. A single cancelled match last year resulted in claims of Rs 16–17 crore, prompting insurers to revise their risk pricing. Consequently, event cancellation policies that once cost Rs 40–45 lakh are now significantly more expensive. Franchise premiums have surged from Rs 2 crore to Rs 4–5 crore, while the BCCI now bears costs of Rs 5–6 crore per match.
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