IPL 2025 suspended indefinitely as military tensions escalate between India and Pakistan

The Indian Premier League has been suspended amid mounting security concerns following the military escalation between India and Pakistan, the BCCI sources confirmed to Hindustan Times on Friday.

The development comes after the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals clash in Dharamsala was called off due to safety issues. The venue, located less than 100 kilometres from Pathankot, where air raid alerts were sounded, has become the focal point of rising tension, forcing the BCCI into urgent deliberations over the fate of the tournament.

“We have decided to indefinitely suspend the IPL. The players’ safety is our utmost priority. Hence we decided to stop the tournament for now. We’ll decide later if and when the tournament can resume. Right now, national interest is of utmost importance,” sources in the BCCI told the newspaper.

The match in Dharamsala, which had started later than scheduled due to rain, was abruptly halted when floodlights in the stadium went out. Initially believed to be a technical glitch, the situation quickly escalated when players and officials were informed of the security risks posed by the air raid alerts. A player also told the Indian Express that there was “panic” among both teams and foreign players were particularly worried for their safety. Australian media had earlier reported that their players had also expressed concerns over their safety and were “ready” to return home.

The crowd in Dharamsala, which had filled up about 80% of the stadium’s capacity, was evacuated for safety reasons. Fans were also heard shouting anti-Pakistan slogans as they made their way out of the venue. In the aftermath, the BCCI, along with the IPL’s governing body, reviewed the rapidly evolving security situation. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal told PTI that the decision to continue the league was in flux, with government directives yet to arrive by Thursday night.

The immediate impact of the security threats has already been felt, as flights to and from Dharamsala have been suspended, with the team buses being redirected for a safer exit. Ahead of the match on Thursday, Mumbai Indians’ match against Punjab Kings – also scheduled in Dharamsala – was shifted to Ahmedabad due to security reasons.

While the game between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was called off, Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru match was scheduled to play in Lucknow on Friday night.