IPL 2025 Suspended Indefinitely Amid Rising India-Pakistan Conflict

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been suspended indefinitely as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the decision in light of growing security concerns, particularly after military activity intensified along the border.
The situation took a critical turn after the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala was called off due to a sudden power outage, reportedly triggered by an air raid alert in the nearby regions of Jammu and Pathankot. The incident heightened concerns about player safety, especially with the conflict beginning to affect civilian infrastructure.
BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla confirmed the suspension and said that the board will consult with the central government before taking any further decisions. “We have to prioritise the safety of players, staff and spectators,” he said.
Following the announcement, several overseas players and staff have already left India. Australian stars like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, along with coaches Brad Haddin and Ricky Ponting, are among those reported to have returned home amidst rising tensions.
Originally set to conclude on 25 May in Kolkata, the fate of the remaining matches remains uncertain. With the current geopolitical situation and a packed international cricket calendar, rescheduling the tournament may prove to be a difficult task.
This marks another major disruption in the history of the IPL, which had previously been paused in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this time, relocating the matches to another country or a neutral venue seems unlikely due to the volatile regional climate.
The BCCI has assured that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and take appropriate action in consultation with security agencies and government authorities.
