The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League is set to be suspended on Friday (May 9) as cross-border tensions escalate. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been in a huddle since last night exploring all possible options. It is understood that the Indian cricket board doesn't want the league to continue considering the current sentiment of the nation. Additionally, a lot of overseas players from different franchises had started panicking and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), too, wanted to return home from Lucknow - the venue of tonight's match vs Lucknow Super Giants.
Following the suspension, teams are expected to head home. RCB could be flying out soon. Same holds true for Mumbai Indians who had reached Ahmedabad on Thursday night. Gujarat Titans, who were in Delhi, are yet to finalise their travel plans.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The move comes a day after the fixture between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was postponed. That came not long after Pakistan fired eight missiles directed at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura and Arnia and all were intercepted and blocked by air defence units.
Earlier, the fixture between PBKS and MI was moved to Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as the government announced closing of airspace in Dharamsala and nearby cities.
After PBKS vs DC was called off, both teams returned to their hotel. The entire contingent alongside officials and broadcast crew left Dharamsala on a special train today (May 9).
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla confirmed, “We’re organising a train to bring everyone back safely. The match has been called off, and the stadium evacuated. We will decide on the tournament’s future based on tomorrow’s situation, but player safety is our top priority.”
While no IPL venues were under threat, the overall sentiment potentially forced a temporary halt of the tournament to prioritise safety and national security.
Overseas players had been reportedly anxious, seeking reassurances from the BCCI and Indian government to remain in the country. Before the IPL was called off, Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians had already arrived in Delhi and Ahmedabad, respectively.