IPL 2025 Suspended Amid Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan

New Delhi, India – The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been suspended due to escalating security concerns linked to military tensions between India and Pakistan, as confirmed by sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday.

The decision comes on the heels of a match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, which was called off following air raid alerts in the region. The stadium is located about 100 kilometers from Pathankot, prompting immediate safety precautions.

“We have decided to indefinitely suspend the IPL. The players’ safety is our utmost priority,” BCCI sources told Hindustan Times. “We’ll decide later if and when the tournament can resume.”

The match in Dharamsala faced significant delays due to rain but was ultimately halted because the stadium lost power. Initially thought to be a technical issue, the situation took a serious turn when players were briefed about the heightened security risks. A player described the atmosphere as one of “panic,” especially among international players.

Fans at the stadium, nearly at full capacity, were evacuated amid loud anti-Pakistan slogans. Following the cancellation, BCCI officials, alongside the IPL governing body, assessed the fast-changing security situation. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal noted that the decision to move forward with the league was uncertain, and they were awaiting government directives.

The impact of the security threats was immediate as flights to and from Dharamsala were canceled, leading to the redirection of team buses for safer transportation. This unrest follows India’s military response to an April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, leading to precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan.

As a result of these heightened tensions, military alerts have been declared in several Indian states, with complete blackouts observed in multiple districts across Punjab. Following a series of cross-border attacks on May 8 that targeted Indian cities through missile and drone strikes, India’s armed forces were able to neutralize the threats.

In related news, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced that the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League would be moved to the UAE.