Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been put on hold indefinitely amidst increased tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and India's tit-for-tat retaliation in the form of Operation Sindoor. The postponement of the tournament followed in the footsteps of the rescheduled halfway Punjab Kings v Delhi Capitals match at Dharamsala on May 8, 2025, due to security threats following Pakistani drone and missile attacks on Indian major cities Jammu, Jaisalmer, and Amritsar.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) referred to the security of players, officials, and fans as the prime reason for suspending. Airports across northern India such as Dharamsala, Kangra, and Chandigarh are shut down, causing it to become difficult to move around and plan logistics for teams.
A few foreign players have asked to return home prematurely in expectation of further deterioration and damage to their health, which has led the BCCI to organize special evacuation by road and train.
IPL board held crisis sessions to review the situation, and options were kept alive to postpone or indefinitely suspend. Opinion polls and security bulletins have taken precedence in arriving at a decision, and it has seen mass support from fans and stakeholders in favor of suspending it during the country's crisis.
This historical suspension is an indication of the seriousness of the India-Pakistan crisis, which saw cross-border firing, drone attacks, and missile firings over the last two days. The BCCI is in constant communication with the government and security agencies and will give a further update on the fate of the IPL after the situation comes back to normal.
Players and officials are meanwhile staying in secure accommodations under increased security as the country concentrates on managing the current war.
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