2025 Indian Premier League suspended for one week

The 2025 Indian Premier League has been suspended amid rising India-Pakistan border tensions.

The decision has been taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to suspend the IPL for a week as concerns about the security situation in the country escalate.

Thursday's match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abandoned on Thursday after 10.1 overs due to unease regarding player safety.

In a statement the IPL said: “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.

"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; 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."

There are 12 group stage fixtures remaining in the 2025 IPL campaign along with the season-concluding play-off ties.

The BCCI must now decide if and how to complete the competition.

During the Covid-affected 2020 season, the IPL relocated to the United Arab Emirates but that option is now unavailable with the Middle Eastern country set to host the Pakistan Super League.

An alternative solution is to host the competition in South Africa, which previously hosted the IPL in 2009 as it coincided with Indian elections and all six SA20 teams are owned by IPL franchises.

If the IPL is unable to resume, the BCCI will need to factor India's upcoming white-ball schedule with a six-match series against Bangladesh pencilled in for August ahead of the Asia Cup in September.

Jaquob Crooke

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