IPL 2025 suspended for one week amid growing India-Pakistan tensions

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season has been suspended for one week due to soaring tensions between India and Pakistan.

Devajit Saikia, BCCI Honorary Secretary, said in a media release on Friday, May 9, "The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing TATA IPL 2025 with immediate effect for one week. 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 IPL Governing Council took this decision after holding consultations with all key stakeholders, including representations from most franchisees.

"At this critical juncture, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation. We express our solidarity with the Government of India, the Armed Forces and the people of our country. The Board salutes the bravery, courage, and selfless service of our armed forces, whose heroic efforts under Operation Sindoor continue to protect and inspire the nation, as they lead a resolute response to the recent terrorist attack and the unwarranted aggression by Pakistan’s armed forces," he added.

"While cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing greater than the Nation and its sovereignty, integrity, and security of our country. The BCCI remains firmly committed to support all efforts that safeguard India and will always align its decisions in the best interest of the nation," the BCCI Honorary Secretary said.

There was an uncertainty over the future of the ongoing edition of the IPL after Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals' match in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamsala on Thursday was cancelled midway following air raid alerts in Jammu and Pathankot.

Speaking to PTI, a BCCI official said, "It does not look nice that cricket goes on while the country is at war."

On Thursday night, India swiftly foiled Pakistan's fresh attempts to target military sites with drones and missiles.

The Indian armed forces, under ‘Operation Sindoor’, on Wednesday had launched precise missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This was in response to the killing of 26 civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in a terrorist attack.

In a post on X, India's ODI captain Rohit Sharma lauded the armed forces for standing tall for the nation’s pride.

"With every passing moment, with every decision taken I feel extremely proud of our Indian Army, Indian Airforce & Indian Navy. Our warriors are standing tall for our nation’s pride. It’s important for every Indian to be responsible and refrain from spreading or believing any fake news. Stay safe, everyone!" he wrote.