IPL 2025 suspended: All the times IPL was disrupted mid-season or moved and how it was completed

The IPL 2025 has been suspended. The BCCI made this decision due to rising cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. A formal statement is expected from the BCCI soon. The suspension came right after the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala was stopped midway during the first innings on Thursday.

With airports shut in the region, both teams travelled to Delhi by a special train arranged by the IPL on Friday morning. It was later revealed that the BCCI has suspended the IPL indefinitely, considering the national sentiment and safety of everyone involved in smooth conduct of the tournament.

This is not the first time the Indian Premier League has faced disruptions. In the past too, the tournament has been suspended, postponed, or moved to other countries for various reasons. Here’s a look at all the times when IPL was interrupted mid-season or affected due to external events and how it was eventually completed.

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IPL 2009: Moved to South Africa

In 2009, the entire IPL season had to be shifted out of India because of the Lok Sabha elections. The government said it wouldn’t be possible to provide enough security for both the elections and the IPL at the same time. So, the BCCI moved the whole tournament to South Africa.

IPL 2014: Partially held in UAE

In 2014, the first half of the IPL was played in the UAE for the same reason, the general elections in India. The government couldn’t ensure security for both events. So, the first 20 matches were held in the UAE (in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah), and the rest of the tournament returned to India after 30 April.

IPL 2020: Postponed and held in UAE

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the entire world, and IPL 2020 was no different. The tournament, which usually starts in March-April, was postponed due to lockdowns and travel restrictions. Eventually, it was held in September-November 2020, completely in the UAE under strict bio-bubble rules. There were no spectators in the stadiums.

IPL 2021: Suspended midway and completed later

This is the most similar situation to IPL 2025. In 2021, the IPL began in India as usual, but several players and staff started testing positive for COVID-19 during the tournament. With rising cases and fear of the virus spreading, the BCCI decided to suspend the league after 29 matches. The tournament resumed in September 2021 in the UAE. The remaining 31 matches were successfully completed there.

IPL 2025: Suspended due to security concerns

This time, IPL 2025 has been stopped because of growing political tensions and security concerns between India and Pakistan. Although 58 out of 70 league matches were already completed, the league had to be paused for the safety of players and officials.

There is talk that the tournament may be completed in the August-September window, which was earlier reserved for India’s tour of Bangladesh and the Asia Cup. The BCCI is expected to officially confirm the revised schedule soon.

The PCB, on the other hand, has already moved the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to the UAE due to players’ well being. The 10th edition of the PSL was being held simultaneously with the IPL but due to the ongoing border tension, the PCB has decided to shift the rest of the tournament to UAE.