IPL suspended for 1 week amid India-Pakistan tensions and security concerns

The Indian Premier League (IPL) was put on hold for a week on Friday amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Concerns had been growing over the tournament's future, especially after Thursday’s match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala was abandoned midway due to air raid warnings in nearby cities like Jammu and Pathankot.

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 concerns and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans.

While the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of India's armed forces, the board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders.

"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," it said in a press statement.

"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 statement added.

The BCCI thanked its key stakeholder Jiostar—the league’s official broadcaster—for its understanding and unwavering support. "The board is also grateful to title sponsor Tata and all associate partners and stakeholders for coming forward with their unequivocal support for this decision and for putting national interest above all other considerations," the statement said.

This year's IPL is slated to end on May 25 in Kolkata.

Given the significant presence of foreign players and coaches, international cricket boards are following the developments. Given the significant presence of foreign players and coaches, Cricket Australia issued a statement on Friday, noting that it is keeping a close watch on developments and maintaining contact with its representatives in India.

Flight disruptions in northern and western parts of the country could have also led to this move. As many as 24 airports across India have been closed for commercial flights till May 10. The closed airports are Jammu, Srinagar, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishengarh, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Pathankot, Leh, Mundra, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, and Bhuj.

On Thursday evening, Pakistan targeted Jammu, Udhampur, and Pathankot with missiles and drones, but the attack was foiled by the Indian Armed Forces. Pathankot is quite near to Dharamshala, where the IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was taking place on Thursday.

The IPL has significantly strengthened the BCCI's financial position. In FY11, the league contributed ₹119 crore—about 13% of the BCCI’s total income. By FY23, this figure had surged to ₹2,444 crore, accounting for 37% of the board’s overall earnings, Fortune India reported in November. A substantial portion of this growth can also be attributed to the lucrative media rights deals, which have played a key role in establishing the BCCI as the wealthiest cricket board in the world.