The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been suspended for one week, as confirmed in an official statement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The decision, announced on Friday, May 9, comes amid escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan.
This live news update follows Thursday’s disrupted match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala, which raised serious security concerns. With the situation on the border deteriorating and military operations intensifying, BCCI has deemed it necessary to pause the tournament until further notice.
Why BCCI Suspended IPL 2025
“It does not look nice that cricket goes on while the country is at war,” a BCCI official told PTI, confirming the suspension of the league that was originally scheduled to conclude on May 25 in Kolkata. The decision came after an overnight assessment by senior BCCI officials who held discussions via conference call following Thursday’s match abandonment.
The suspension reflects both practical safety concerns and respect for the national mood during a time of military conflict. With several matches scheduled in northern cities close to sensitive border areas, the logistics of ensuring player safety had become increasingly complex. According to a BCCI source speaking to Hindustan Times, “We have decided to indefinitely suspend the IPL. The players’ safety is our utmost priority. Hence we decided to stop the tournament for now.”
The Reason Behind This Decision
The suspension follows rapidly escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan. On Wednesday, India launched “Operation Sindoor” – targeted strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Pakistan responded on Thursday with attempted drone and missile attacks targeting regions in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
These military developments triggered blackouts, air raid sirens, and security alerts across multiple northern Indian cities. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) had already been relocated to the UAE earlier on Thursday due to similar security concerns.
Foreign players participating in the IPL have reportedly expressed anxiety about the situation. Cricket Australia released a statement saying, “We continue to closely monitor the situation in Pakistan and India, including obtaining regular advice and updates from the Australian Government, the PCB, BCCI, and local government authorities, and maintaining communication with our players and support staff currently in the region.”
Why the PBKS vs DC Match Was Called Off
The suspension decision became almost inevitable after Thursday’s dramatic scenes in Dharamsala. What initially appeared to be a technical issue with stadium floodlights at around 9:30 PM IST during the Punjab Kings versus Delhi Capitals match turned out to be part of broader security measures implemented across northern India.
As military tensions escalated, the match was abruptly halted in the 11th over of the first innings with Punjab Kings at 122/1. Players and umpires were directed to their dressing rooms, and spectators were evacuated from the stadium. Video footage shared on social media showed cheerleaders and fans expressing concern about the situation, with one cheerleader describing the evacuation as “very scary.”
The BCCI quickly arranged a special train to safely evacuate all players, support staff, and broadcast crew from Dharamsala, highlighting the seriousness of the security situation.
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Will IPL 2025 Resume Later?
As of now, the future of IPL 2025 remains uncertain. While the BCCI has officially suspended the league for one week, it has stopped short of announcing a full cancellation. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla told The Indian Express, “We are monitoring the situation, seeking the Government’s advice, and will take the final decision on the IPL tomorrow. The situation is changing day by day.”
This leaves a window open for a potential resumption if the security conditions improve. However, with nearly half the matches still to be played and no definitive resolution in sight, the fate of IPL 2025 continues to hang in the balance.
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