The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has officially been suspended for a week in the wake of mounting military tensions between India and Pakistan, a top BCCI official confirmed on Friday, as per a PTI report.
This comes after increased unease following Thursday's game between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was halted mid-match because air raid sirens were heard in surrounding regions such as Jammu and Pathankot.
"It does not appear pleasant that cricket continues when the nation is engaged in war," the official told PTI, highlighting the reason behind the suspension.
Earlier, a match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians had already been relocated to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad following government authorities announcing a temporary closure of the airspace in and around Dharamsala, prompting logistical and safety issues.
After the sudden postponement of the PBKS vs DC match, players and support staff were taken back to their hotel, and the whole contingent—match officials and broadcasting staff included—was taken out of the city on a special train on May 9.
While none of the IPL grounds were in direct danger, the overall climate and increased vigilance throughout much of northern India seem to have had an impact on the decision of the BCCI to suspend the league temporarily, prioritizing public safety and public opinion.
The progress follows India's missile attacks aimed at terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir—reprisal undertaken approximately two weeks following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 dead.
On Thursday evening, various parts of Punjab, such as Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, were under enforced blackouts after air raid warnings were issued and locals said they heard massive explosion-like sounds coming from the Jammu region.
As a related development during the day, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was shifted to the United Arab Emirates because of similar security concerns.
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