The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been Suspended for a week due to growing tensions between India and Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the news in a statement released on Friday afternoon.
According to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, the IPL Governing Council made the decision after speaking with all major stakeholders including franchises sponsors, broadcasters and player groups. Most franchises had raised concerns about the safety of their players and staff. The board said it still has full trust in the country’s armed forces but decided to act in everyone’s best interest.
“The safety of players and staff is the top priority,” said Saikia. “We will announce a new schedule and venues after a full review of the situation.”
The decision came just one day after the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was stopped halfway in Dharamsala. Reports said the match was called off due to power failure and rising panic over missile threat rumors and drone sightings in nearby areas. Fans were quickly evacuated from the stadium.
Due to airport closures in Dharamsala and surrounding areas, both teams had to travel by bus to Jalandhar and then take a train to Delhi.
Many foreign players are now planning to return home. Australian cricketers, including Test captain Pat Cummins and coaches like Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer are making travel plans. Some are flying to Dubai. Others are heading directly to their home countries. The South African Cricketers’ Association also confirmed they are in touch with their players and ready to provide help.
There are 15 Australian players in the IPL this season. Most of them are expected to leave India by the weekend.
So far 58 matches have been played in the IPL 2025 (suspended) season. Twelve league matches and the playoffs remain. These were to be held in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkata. The IPL 2025 (suspended) league was scheduled to end on May 25.
With India set to tour England for a Test series starting June 20, there’s little time left in the current window. If the league cannot resume soon, BCCI may look at an August–September window. But that could clash with the Asia Cup and India’s tour of Bangladesh.
BCCI had considered changing venues before choosing a full suspension. Officials say they are in constant contact with government bodies and will take further steps only after reviewing the security situation.
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal said, “The situation is changing fast. We are waiting for advice from the authorities. We will make decisions that protect everyone involved in the IPL 2025 (suspended).”
For now the league is on hold, and it’s unclear when or if the remaining matches will be played.
