With the exchange of missile and drone attacks between India and Pakistan threatening to escalate into a full-fledged war, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday stepped in to suspend the remainder of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for one week.
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, the BCCI informed in a statement on Friday.
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.
The local authorities had on called off the IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharmasala in Himachal Pradesh after Pakistani forces launched air strikes and drone attacks on Jammu in neighbouring Jammu & Kashmir state and Jaisalmer in western Rajasthan state, and a blackout was ordered in some neighbouring towns and cities. The air strikes and drone attacks were thwarted successfully by the Indian defence systems, and there were no reports of any damage to life and property.
However, with airports in some northern states being closed down and some of the foreign players expressing concerns, the BCCI decided to put IPL 2025 on hold for a week.
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.
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.
The BCCI held a crucial meeting on Friday morning and then conveyed its decision to all the franchises. Initially, it was reported that the league was suspended indefinitely, but later the Board clarified that IPL 2025 was put off for one week.
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 supporting all efforts that safeguard India and will always align its decisions in the best interest of the nation.
Meanwhile, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has informed the local police that they have received a bomb threat via email for the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
There will be a bomb blast in your stadium. We have a committed Pakistan sleeper cell active in India. The blast will be our revenge for Operation Sindoor.
On Thursday, Pakistan launched aerial attacks on Jammu as well as several military stations near the western border, but India’s air defence systems successfully foiled those. Pakistan triggered the war, and the Indian forces launched retaliatory attacks.
The attempted strike, involving drones and missiles, triggered blackouts and sirens across several areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Authorities urged residents to remain indoors and vigilant as emergency protocols were activated.
The attacks seem to be in retaliation for Operation Sindoor by Indian armed forces on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, from where the attack on tourists in Pahalgam was planned. Terrorists attacked and killed 26 tourists - 25 Indians and one Nepali near Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir.