Considering the importance of ensuring stakeholders' safety, the BCCI has decided to suspend IPL 2025 for 1 week.
Shuvaditya Bose
IPL
Updated:
i
IPL 2025 has been suspended for 1 week.
(Photo: BCCI)
✕
advertisement
Amid escalating border tensions between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for one week. The move follows Thursday’s (8 May) match between the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala, which was abandoned after just 10.1 overs due to mounting security concerns.
"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 official statement from BCCI read.
What BCCI Have Said
In a statement showing solidarity with the nation and its armed forces, BCCI confirmed that they had a discussion involving all ten franchises, and the decision of suspension was considered to have aligned with the collective interest of all stakeholders.
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. 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.
BCCI statement
Echoing the board's sentiment, the broadcasters have also issued a statement.
We, at JioStar, whole heartedly support the BCCI’s decision to suspend TATA IPL 2025 and stand firmly committed to prioritise national interest over all other considerations. At this time, we must stand united with our country, support the government and our armed forces, and extend solidarity & support to the civilians affected. We will work with the BCCI to bring back the tournament at an appropriate time. JioStar will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the transition is managed in a seamless manner and everyone involved in the tournament broadcast returns home safely.
JioStar, IPL's official broadcaster
Does It Mean IPL Will Resume After One Week?
With the BCCI having specified the suspension stands for one week, a decision regarding IPL 2025's resumption will be taken after assessing the rapidly evolving situation.
Speaking to the media, Rajeev Shukla confirmed the board will be consulting both the government and the tournament's stakeholders regarding IPL's resumption.
As of now, we have decided to suspend the IPL for a week. After that, we will assess the conditions, speak with the government and our stakeholders, the franchises, and we will announce a new schedule. But given the current scenario, we deemed it necessary to suspend the tournament.
Rajeev Shukla
Regarding the potential difficulty in finding a window for IPL's completion, Shukla said:
There will be no problem in finding a window. The decision to suspend the tournament was taken under extraordinary circumstances. Every board supports us, so we will not have any trouble in figuring out a window.
Rajeev Shukla
On the overseas players, Shukla explained:
Regarding overseas players, it is their decision, whether they want to go back to their countries. We will leave it to the foreign players and their respective franchises.
Rajeev Shukla
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
The Events of 8 May
On 8 May, Punjab Kings took on Delhi Capitals in Match 58 of the 2025 IPL at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala — a venue situated less than 200 kilometres from Jammu, where India’s S-400 defence system was actively intercepting Pakistani drones during the match.
At approximately 9:30 PM, with Punjab cruising at 122/1 after 10.1 overs, the stadium’s floodlights suddenly shut down. The game was officially called off 10 minutes later, with an initial statement attributing the decision to a “significant technical failure.”
The Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match (Match 58) in the Tata IPL was forced to be abandoned due to a significant technical failure at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala. Due to a power outage in the area, one of the light towers malfunctioned.
BCCI statement
However, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, who was at the venue, confirmed that the decision to abandon the match stemmed from security concerns.
The match has been called off as a precautionary step because of some incidents that happened in Jammu, I believe. That’s what we were informed, and we thought it was wise to call off the game
Arun Dhumal, to IANS
Where Are the Players Who Played in Yesterday’s Match?
Following the abrupt suspension of the match, players from both teams, along with support staff, were swiftly escorted back to their respective hotels via team buses, while spectators were urged to evacuate the stadium immediately.
The Quint learned that the Punjab Kings squad reached their resort — located roughly five kilometres from the stadium — before 10 PM.
On the morning of Friday, 9 May, a special train to Delhi was arranged for all stakeholders associated with both franchises. Due to heightened security concerns, the departure location was kept undisclosed. It is understood that both teams boarded the train earlier today.
