IPL 2025 Suspended Indefinitely Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is at risk of being paused as tensions between India and Pakistan grow, sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) say. This follows the sudden cancellation of a match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium on May 8, after air raid alerts sounded in nearby Jammu and Pathankot.

The conflict flared up after India launched ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a military operation targeting terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), in response to a devastating April 22 attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Pakistan retaliated with drone and missile strikes on Indian cities, leading to power outages and heightened security. This forced the evacuation of the Dharamsala stadium. “We’re closely monitoring the situation,” said IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, adding that they’re waiting for government advice and will decide today.

The Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals game was called off with Punjab at 122/1 after 10.1 overs, as floodlights went out and emergency measures kicked in. Players and fans were safely moved out, though some spectators chanted slogans against Pakistan. The BCCI has already moved a May 11 match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad to avoid further issues.

Foreign players are growing worried about staying in the tournament, and the BCCI is arranging special trains to get players, staff, and broadcast teams out of risky areas. On X, people are split—some cheer the IPL’s spirit, while others say safety comes first.

The IPL, which started on March 22 with 74 matches, is now in limbo as India deals with these serious security concerns. The BCCI is holding an emergency meeting today to decide whether to keep the league going at fewer venues, move it to a neutral place like Dubai, or stop it altogether, which would be a rare break in the IPL’s history.