IPL 2025 Temporarily Suspended Amid Tensions; Vaughan Suggests UK Venue
IPL 2025 on Hold Due to Rising Tensions
In light of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) has opted to pause the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Former England captain Michael Vaughan has put forth a suggestion to hold the remaining matches in England, especially since India's next series involves a five-match Test against the host nation. Vaughan shared his thoughts on social media, stating,
"I wonder if it’s possible to finish the IPL in the UK .. We have all the venues and the Indian players can then stay on for the Test series .. Just a thought?"
I wonder if it’s possible to finish the IPL in the UK .. We have all the venues and the Indian players can then stay on for the Test series .. Just a thought ?
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 9, 2025
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Incident in Dharamshala Raises Concerns
The IPL had been facing scrutiny but was expected to continue under strict security measures until tensions escalated within a 100-kilometer radius. Dharamshala, located 85 kilometers from Pathankot, was set to host a match between the Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. Despite the uncertainty, the match commenced with fans arriving in red attire, eagerly welcoming their captain, Shreyas Iyer, after winning the toss and opting to bat first. With air routes closed to the public, many Delhi Capitals supporters traveled by road to attend the game.
However, news of an attack in Pathankot began to circulate within the stadium. Arun Dhumal, IPL president, along with Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta, urged fans to evacuate. Initially, a floodlight failure caused a delay, which was later revealed to be part of a security evacuation. The media team quickly packed up and left within ten minutes, as the floodlights sequentially turned off, leading to the match's suspension.
Fans cooperated with security personnel, leaving the venue in an orderly manner despite the shock. Players and media were safely escorted back to their hotels. Just a night after India successfully neutralized a drone threat from Pakistan, the BCCI officially announced the suspension of the tournament.
There were discussions about the IPL potentially resuming in September, contingent on the Asia Cup 2024's status. However, BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla later clarified in an interview that while the IPL is suspended for now, it is expected to resume within a week.