IPL Suspended: BCCI has postponed IPL 2025 indefinitely due to increasing military tension between India and Pakistan. This decision was taken after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April, due to which the security situation has become very tense. This decision was taken a day after the sudden adjournment of the match being played between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala, when the match had to be stopped in the middle due to air rad alert.
The IPL Caravan had now reached Lucknow, where the match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore has also been postponed. By this time, 12 league matches and 4 knockouts, including the finals in Kolkata, were yet to be played.
The BCCI has postponed IPL 2025 indefinitely and its main objective is to ensure safe return of players and officials. Many foreign players and staff are preparing to leave for their respective countries today. A senior BCCI official told PTI, "Cricket game cannot run as long as the country is in a state of war." This decision has made the remaining program of IPL season completely uncertain, which was to end in Kolkata on 25 May.
Although the BCCI has not yet made any official announcement of the re-start date of the IPL, it is getting information from sources that a possible window can be considered in August-September. However, both the Bangladesh tour of India and the Asia Cup with this restart are now under question, as India-Pakistan tension and diplomatic relations with Bangladesh have increased.
The security of foreign cricket players and coaches involved in IPL 2025 has also been focused. Cricket Australia issued a statement on Friday saying that he is keeping an eye on the situation and is in constant contact with his employees.
The match being played in Dharamshala between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals on 8 May was canceled when air rad alerts were announced around Jammu and Pathankot. Due to this security threats, the audience was also removed in emergency position. This incident has questioned the stability of the tournament.
BCCI chairman Arun Dhumal had earlier said that the match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore will be played normally on May 9, but the decision was overturned due to rapid changes in security situation. Dhumal told PTI, "We are constantly evaluating the situation. It is changing rapidly. Any decision will be taken on the basis of information received from the government and local situations."
The BCCI, while deciding to postpone the IPL, also confirmed that it was coordinating with all government agencies and following their instructions. At present, no immediate date has been set for the remaining matches of IPL.
This decision has also attracted the attention of foreign cricket boards. The IPL consists of many international players and coaches, whose safety concerns have increased. Cricket Australia also issued a statement about this saying that he is closely watching the situation and is in touch with the Indian authorities.
