Cricket Takes Backseat: IPL Suspended Due to Geopolitical Tensions

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been suspended for one week due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision follows recent military strikes and retaliatory actions between the two nations, impacting the cricket tournament's schedule.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been suspended for a week due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision was made by the IPL Governing Council after consulting with franchises, players, and considering the views of broadcasters, sponsors, and fans.

“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing IPL 2025 with immediate effect for one week,” said secretary Devajit Saikia. The BCCI “considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders.”

In a statement, the IPL governing council expressed solidarity with the nation, saluting the bravery and selfless service of the armed forces. The suspension affects 12 league fixtures and four playoff matches, including the final scheduled in Kolkata. Foreign players and staff are likely departing India amid the uncertainty.

“While cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing greater than the nation and its sovereignty, integrity, and security of our country,” Saikia added.

“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.”

𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:

The 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… pic.twitter.com/YD7SOP0oaZ

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 9, 2025

A Thursday IPL match was abandoned due to a reported power failure at Dharamsala's stadium, though unrest had broken out in India's border regions.

India had conducted strikes on multiple locations in Pakistan, targeting “terrorist camps” in retaliation for a deadly attack in Kashmir last month, which India attributed to Islamabad.

The Indian Premier League has been suspended for a week due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Both countries have exchanged cross-border firing, shelling, and drone attacks, resulting in nearly four dozen deaths.

The IPL still has 12 group matches and four playoff matches left, including the final scheduled for May 25 in Kolkata. “New dates and venues for the remaining matches will be declared in due course,” said Devajit Saikia.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India prioritized player and staff safety, coordinating their safe return. Foreign players and staff are departing India amid uncertainty, with chartered flights arranged for their safe passage. The governing council consulted franchises, broadcasters, sponsors and fans before making this decision.