The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been suspended indefinitely due to heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan, following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. The BCCI announced the decision after the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala was abandoned midway due to air raid alerts in Jammu and Pathankot.
A total of 58 matches had been completed, including the Dharamsala match, with 12 league games and 4 playoff fixtures remaining across 8 cities, including Kolkata, where the final was scheduled for May 25.
With the suspension, the BCCI is now focused on the safe evacuation of players and staff, especially foreign nationals, some of whom are expected to leave immediately. A senior BCCI official told PTI, “It does not look nice that cricket goes on while the country is at war.”
The terror attack in Pahalgam led to India’s military response, “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, followed by retaliatory strikes by Pakistan, including drone attacks, artillery shelling, and missile launches. Notable incidents include a drone strike at Jammu Civil Airport, shelling along the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, and India’s counterstrike that reportedly destroyed a Chinese-supplied air defence system near Lahore.
The suspension also casts doubt over India’s tour of Bangladesh and participation in the Asia Cup, as regional instability grows and diplomatic ties with Bangladesh are also under pressure. Meanwhile, Pakistan has shifted its Super League to the UAE, citing security concerns.
The BCCI may consider a resumption window in August-September, but no official timeline has been confirmed.
