New Delhi, May 9, 2025 — The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially postponed the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan. With 12 league matches still left to be played, including the playoffs and the final originally scheduled for May 25, the BCCI has withheld new dates until further notice.
“Not the Right Time for Cricket”: BCCI Source
The decision was reported by PTI, quoting a senior BCCI official who said, “It does not look good to play cricket when there is a war-like situation in the country.” The sentiment has echoed across the cricketing fraternity as the IPL, one of the world’s most popular sporting leagues, finds itself overshadowed by national security concerns.
Missile Strikes Disrupt Punjab vs Delhi Match in Dharamsala
Tensions reached a boiling point on the night of May 8, when Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks targeting military installations in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan. At the same time, the 58th IPL match — Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals — was underway in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh.
Punjab was batting at 122/1 in 10.1 overs when floodlights were suddenly turned off and security forces began evacuating spectators. A citywide blackout was imposed, and the match was subsequently called off. This unprecedented situation made it clear that continuing the tournament would not be feasible.
Current Standings Before Suspension
Before the abrupt halt, 57 matches had been successfully completed. The points table stood as follows:
- Gujarat Titans – 16 points (Better Net Run Rate)
- Royal Challengers Bangalore – 16 points
- Punjab Kings – 14 points
- Mumbai Indians – 12 points
- Delhi Capitals – 12 points
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad were mathematically eliminated from the playoff race.
Match Count Breakdown
At the time of suspension:
- 4 teams had 2 matches left
- 6 teams, including Gujarat Titans and RCB, had 3 matches remaining
A key fixture between Lucknow Super Giants and RCB, scheduled in Lucknow on Friday, was also cancelled.
Unprecedented Tribute to Armed Forces
In a rare gesture, the Indian national anthem was played before the Punjab-Delhi match, a tribute to the ongoing Operation Sindoor launched by the Indian Armed Forces in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack of April 22, which killed 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national.
While the national anthem is typically reserved for international games, this move symbolized solidarity with the armed forces. Players had earlier worn black armbands in matches following the Pahalgam attack as a mark of protest and mourning.
What’s Next for IPL 2025?
The BCCI is now assessing three possible outcomes:
- Temporary Suspension — Resume matches after a 10–15 day pause depending on the security situation.
- Overseas Relocation — Shift remaining games to neutral venues like the UAE, Qatar, or Sri Lanka.
- Rescheduling Post-International Calendar — Find a new window after international commitments conclude.
With stakeholders including foreign players, broadcasters, and sponsors involved, a safe and structured conclusion to the tournament is a priority.
Security First, Cricket Later
As military activity along the western borders continues, the BCCI is in close coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Defense Ministry to determine when, how, and where the tournament might resume.
Until then, the cricket world waits — with hope for peace, and for the IPL to eventually return under safer skies.
