The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for one week, starting from May 9. In a series of tweet BCCI said that it will review the further course of the tournament in due time after a thorough consultation with all concerned stakeholders. As of for now there are no updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament
The board in it's statement said, "The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans ; while the BCCI reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the Board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders."
It added," 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.
A cloud of uncertainty had loomed over the future of the ongoing edition since the cancellation of Thursday's match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala midway following air raid alerts in neighbouring cities of Jammu and Pathankot.
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal was seen gesturing the spectators to leave the Dharamsala stadium. With Pakistan shooting drones near Jammu Airport and many other nearby regions, blackouts triggered and there was a floodlight failure at the venue.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla while speaking to The Indian Express had 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,”
Dhumal on Thursday said government directives are being awaited before deciding on whether to continue with the league amid the military clash with Pakistan but Friday's match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru "is on as of now".
A cheerleader at the Dharamsala Stadium expressed her fear amid the escalating situation. Speaking in a video that surfaced on social media, the cheerleader said
"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."
On Thursday, a blackout was enforced in several districts including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali in Punjab and Union Territory Chandigarh amid air raid alarms and reports of explosion-like sounds in Jammu. Earlier in the day, the Pakistan Super League was moved to the UAE.
