IPL Suspended Amid India-Pakistan Military Escalation: ‘It Doesn’t Look Right Playing Cricket During War,’ Says BCCI

Mumbai: In a significant move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially suspended the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to the rising military tensions with Pakistan. The tournament, which was scheduled to conclude on May 25 in Kolkata, has been put on hold indefinitely as security concerns deepen.

The decision comes a day after Thursday’s IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at Dharamsala was abruptly cancelled mid-way following air raid alerts in the neighbouring regions of Jammu and Pathankot. According to eyewitnesses, panic broke out at the stadium, prompting IPL chairman Arun Dhumal to ask spectators to vacate the premises. The venue also experienced a sudden blackout and floodlight failure, adding to the chaos, as drones launched from across the border were reportedly intercepted near Jammu Airport.

With several north Indian cities—such as Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, and Mohali—enforcing blackouts, and air raid sirens sounding in the Union Territory of Chandigarh, concerns mounted over the safety of players, fans, and officials involved in the tournament.

Speaking to The Indian Express, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said, “We are monitoring the situation, seeking the Government’s advice, and will take the final decision on the IPL tomorrow. The situation is changing day by day. We will do whatever we are told and inform all stakeholders. At the moment, our priority is the safety of all players, fans and stakeholders.”

Despite initial statements that Friday’s match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru was “on as of now,” the rising uncertainty led to a reassessment of the entire tournament.

In a widely shared video on social media, a visibly shaken cheerleader from the Dharamsala stadium described the harrowing scene: “So basically the whole stadium in the middle of the match was evacuated and it was very scary. Everyone was just screaming and it was very scary, it’s still very very scary. We want to really go out of Dharamsala and I hope the IPL people will look after us. So yeah, this is very very scary. I don’t know why I’m not crying. I think I’m still in shock.”