With tensions between neighboring countries escalating, the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been suspended until further notice.
In light of the ongoing border conflict, IPL organizers have decided to pause the tournament for now. The news first broke on cricket website ESPNcricinfo, and was later confirmed in an official statement declaring that all scheduled matches for the next week would be postponed.
The first sign of disruption came on Thursday night during the match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. The match was abruptly halted midway, with BCCI citing “security concerns.”
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal stated that the situation would be reviewed before making further decisions. At that time, he reassured fans that Friday’s match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore would go ahead as scheduled.
However, amid escalating tensions with neighboring Pakistan, and growing security risks, the IPL governing body held an emergency meeting and decided to suspend the remaining matches of the tournament.
With airports around Dharamshala and nearby regions closed, special trains were arranged by the IPL to transport players and support staff from Punjab and Delhi franchises to the capital. They arrived in Delhi on Friday morning.
So far, 58 matches have been completed in the tournament. A total of 16 matches remain, including 12 from the group stage. These games were originally scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad (3), Lucknow (2), Bengaluru (2), Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, and Jaipur.
The playoff matches were set to be held in Hyderabad and Kolkata.
The rising conflict has also affected the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The remaining 8 matches of the tournament have been relocated to the United Arab Emirates.
The unrest intensified after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22, which killed 26 tourists. India has blamed Pakistan for the incident, leading to a spike in tensions between the two nations.
In retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, India launched airstrikes late Tuesday night on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan responded with shelling and military action. As of the latest reports, the conflict has claimed the lives of at least 46 people across both countries.
