Finance
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated that the IPL 2025 has been postponed immediately, although for one week, due to India-Pakistan border tensions. The board noted that the tournament’s revised schedule and sites would be revealed following an assessment of the situation.
“Further updates regarding the tournament’s new schedule and venues will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders,” stated BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia in an official statement.
The BCCI made the decision on Friday after cross-border tensions flared up on Thursday night, resulting in blackouts in Jammu, Udhampur, and Pathankot as Pakistani air attacks and drones took over the sky. The match between the Punjab Kings and the Delhi Capitals was called off at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala after only 10.1 overs of the first innings had been completed.
With the airport in Dharamshala and other north Indian cities closed, the players and support staff members of both PBKS and DC, along with match officials, commentators, broadcast crew members and other key IPL-related personnel, were evacuated from Dharamshala by a bus taking them to Jalandhar on Friday morning, where a special train organized by the tournament is now taking them to New Delhi.
The BCCI further said the decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council, comprising Saikia and IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal, 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,” elaborated Saikia.
With the BCCI announcing that IPL 2025 has been halted for one week, it is unclear whether an other window to host the remainder of the tournament will be available immediately or not, as well as the sites for the remaining matches. As of today, IPL 2025 has completed 58 games, with 12 matches remaining in the league stage before the playoffs.
The BCCI has informed all 10 teams of the tournament’s one-week suspension and will begin making measures to secure the safe departure of all players, support staff, and crew members once the MEA alert is received on Friday evening.
“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,” concluded Saikia.
Source: IANS
