MUMBAI, India — On Friday, a significant disruption occurred in Indian domestic cricket due to rising military tensions with Pakistan, leading to a temporary suspension of the country’s most prominent cricket tournament. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Indian Premier League (IPL), known for attracting top talent worldwide and captivating millions of viewers, would be put on hold for a week.
In an official statement, the BCCI indicated that they would reassess the situation to determine the new schedule and locations of the tournament, coordinating closely with the necessary authorities and stakeholders. This decision follows a night marked by artillery exchanges across the disputed Kashmir region’s border, stemming from escalating tensions after an attack targeting tourists.
The IPL, which holds the title of the world’s most popular cricket tournament, typically runs from March to May. This installment features 65 international players from various countries, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, England, and Afghanistan. With 12 group matches yet to be finished before the knockout stages, the final was initially set for May 25 in Kolkata.
The BCCI emphasized that the choice to halt the tournament was made with the collective interests of all parties considered. “While cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing greater than the Nation and its sovereignty, integrity, and security,” underscored the statement.
The suspension was prompted after a match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was disrupted in Dharamsala due to a power outage caused by a mandated government blackout. Consequently, Punjab’s next game against Mumbai Indians was relocated to Mumbai from Dharamsala due to several airport closures in the Indian northwest.
Meanwhile, Pakistan also indicated it was relocating its domestic T20 league to the United Arab Emirates, choosing Dubai as the host for the Pakistan Super League. This move arose from increasing safety concerns among international players. A statement early Friday from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) noted the relocation was necessary to prioritize player safety amidst the rising tensions.
Furthermore, before a Pakistan Super League match featuring international players from New Zealand, Australia, and other countries, a drone crash incident occurred inside the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium complex, adding to security concerns.