In the wake of tensions at the border following aerial attacks by Pakistan Thursday night, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended the Indian Premier League (IPL) for a week with immediate effect.
The decision was taken after discussions with the Government Friday morning following which the BCCI sent a formal note to the ten IPL franchises on suspending the league temporarily.
The IPL had come under a cloud of uncertainty with the game between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at Dharamsala being called-off around 9.35 pm Thursday, following a blackout and air raid alerts in neighbouring towns, including Pathankot just 90 km from the stadium.
READ MORE: BCCI’s full statement about suspending the league for a 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,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement Friday.
Although the decision was formally made public only around 2.40 pm Friday, the franchises were informed of the decision earlier in the day to help the swift movement of players and support staff. While most of the Indian players had already left for their homes, the overseas contingent was scheduled to depart later in the evening.
Given the situation, there were discussions on arranging a chartered flight for those travelling overseas, sources said. But after assessments were conducted, and with international flight operations continuing as normal, it was decided to send the overseas players and support staff on passenger carriers, they said.
The Indian Express has learnt that several overseas players were apprehensive as border tensions escalated, and the abandonment of the Dharamsala match midway “made matters worse”. There was no directive from any cricket board for their players to return, sources said, but they were kept in the loop by top BCCI officials.
According to sources, there were some deliberations among the franchises on sending the overseas players and support staff to another country in the close vicinity for now. However, with no guarantee that the tournament would start in a week, the franchises concluded that sending the players’ home was the best possible solution for the moment, the sources said.
However, it is learnt the BCCI has told franchises to inform all players and support staff to be prepared for the tournament restarting in a week’s time.
The only previous instance of the IPL being suspended midway was during the second wave of Covid in 2021 when there were multiple breaches in the bio-bubble. With positive cases increasing, the BCCI suspended the league on May 4 before completing the remaining fixtures in September-October.
This time, with 58 matches played and 12 to be completed, the BCCI is ideally looking at a 14-day window with several options being put together. And according to those in the know, when the IPL resumes it will include the Punjab vs Delhi fixture that was called-off abruptly. With the international calendar packed till the end of the year, one option is to restart the league later this month if the situation at the border improves.
Logistical challenges
However, there are logistical challenges to such a move, mainly that several overseas players hold single-entry Indian visas. Moreover, assembling players once again from Australia, New Zealand and the Caribbean would take time.
Given these challenges, sources said, the two-week window may not be sufficient unless double-headers are slotted. For the play-offs and the final, IPL at least needs a six-day window to ensure enough turnaround time. Given these factors, unless the IPL extends its calendar by a few days — the final was originally slated for May 25 — chances of the tournament being completed this month, even if it resumes, looks bleak.
Even so, the proposed venues in case of a resumption would likely be Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata — all far from the LoC, making it easier to convince the overseas players to return.
If the BCCI is not able to slot the IPL this month, the only possible window is in September. According to the international Future Tours Programme (FTP), India is scheduled to host the Asia Cup then but chances of this tournament going ahead appears remote in the current climate.
While Australia and New Zealand don’t have international commitments, their players could be involved in the Caribbean Premier League from August 15 to September 22. Besides, England and South Africa are due to face-off in a bilateral series from September 2-14, with India’s home season scheduled to begin on October 2.
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Full BCCI Statement regarding IPL 2025 being suspended
The Board of Control for Cricket in India issued a statement on Friday afternoon through Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary of the BCCI. Here's the full statement:
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.
According to multiple franchise officials, if overseas players or support staff choose to skip the rest of the league, it is unlikely that the IPL Governing Council will sanction them.
IPL 2025 is likely to be suspended. (PHOTO: Sportzpics for IPL) 
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