IPL 2025 fate undecided amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, BCCI weighing all options

The growing conflict between India and Pakistan can impact the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, leading to its temporary suspension. However, for now, no such decision has been made. Friday is going to be highly crucial for the IPL and its organisers, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The IPL 2025 match at Dharamsala on Thursday between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) was abandoned midway as Pakistan launched missile and drone attacks on Indian cities late last night. While the official word was that the match was called off due to “technical failure” as floodlights were shut down, the unofficial word is that the game was suspended due to the fear of an attack. The Himalayan town of Dharamsala is very close to the Pakistan border.

It has to be noted that the 11 May match between PBKS and Mumbai Indians (MI), which was to take place in Dharamsala, has already been shifted to Ahmedabad.

More from First Cricket

PBKS-DC IPL match in Dharamsala called off midway amid security concerns; ‘significant technical failure’ says BCCI Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill front-runners to succeed Rohit Sharma as India Test captain: Report

Will IPL 2025 be suspended?

While Dharamsala doesn’t have any more matches to host, there are questions over the remaining IPL matches being completed. A lot of fans are asking for the league to be called off, while reports also suggest that a few players want to leave for home.

The IPL chairman, Arun Dhumal, has told news agency PTI that no decision has been taken so far. “We are reviewing the situation right now. It is an evolving situation. We haven’t received any directive from the government. Obviously the decision will be taken keeping all the logistics in mind,” Arun Dhumal said.

All eyes will be on today’s IPL game between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), which will take place in Lucknow on Friday. The major IPL venues do not face any major threat as of now, but BCCI would also be cautious about respecting the larger sentiment in the country.

There are reports that a meeting of the IPL governing council can be held on Friday to take a call on the remaining matches. As per the Indian Express, the BCCI is open to following all options, including temporarily halting the league or changing the schedule.

BCCI waiting for Goernment’s advice

However, for now, no major decision has been taken as BCCI awaits the Indian Government’s advice

“We are monitoring the situation, seeking the Government’s advice, and will take the final decision on the IPL tomorrow. The situation is changing day by day. We will do whatever we are told and inform all stakeholders. At the moment, our priority is the safety of all players, fans and stakeholders,” BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla told The Indian Express.

Reportedly, the IPL teams have opened a communication line with overseas players to help them avoid any anxiety. The IPL franchises are also ready to facilitate travel back home if any overseas players want to leave. The BCCI would soon contact other cricket boards to share its plans about ensuring the safety of their players.