IPL chairman reveals plan for IPL 2025 season after suspension due to India-Pakistan war, says ‘next decision will be…’
Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal said the 18th edition of the T20 league has been suspended for a week, and the restarting of the event will be decided after assessing the situation. On Friday afternoon, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced its decision to suspend the remainder of the IPL 2025, with immediate effect, for one week due to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
Speaking on the suspension of IPL 2025, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal told ANI news agency, “The tournament has been suspended for a week. The next decision will be taken after assessing the situation.”
Further, the 46-year-old spoke about the clash between the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, which was played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala, was called off midway through the first innings. Spectators were informed of the cancellation and asked to vacate the premises, while both teams were escorted back to their hotel.
“As you know, the situation escalated yesterday… To ensure no panic in the crowd and the safety of the public, steps were taken and people were evacuated comfortably,” Dhumal added.
According to a BCCI source, the Indian board arranged a special Vande Bharat train to transport players from Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and the entire broadcast crew from Dharamshala to Delhi.
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.
“The BCCI has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing IPL with immediate effect for one week,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated in a press release, after early information from the Board suggested that the suspension was indefinite.
“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,” it added
The high-profile league was to wind up on May 25 in Kolkata as per the original schedule. The Board would look to conduct the remaining 16 matches (12 league and four knockouts) at an opportune time and there is speculation that the month of September could be an option if the scheduled Asia Cup is scrapped.
“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 statement read.
“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 added.
The BCCI said that while cricket remains a national passion, it is not greater than the sovereignty, integrity, and security of the 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,” it stated.
The Board also thanked stakeholders like the official broadcaster, the title sponsor and all associate partners for ‘putting national interest above all other considerations’.
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