Sourav Ganguly Comments on IPL 2025 Suspension Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

IPL 2025 Suspended Due to Security Concerns

On May 9, in Kolkata, former captain of the Indian cricket team, Sourav Ganguly, shared his views regarding the recent suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The BCCI announced on Friday that the ongoing IPL 2025 would be suspended for one week, effective immediately, due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

Ganguly remarked, “Given the current war-like situation in the country, the BCCI had no choice but to take this step, considering the presence of numerous Indian and international players. We hope the IPL resumes soon, especially with crucial matches approaching.”

He emphasized that the decision was necessary, particularly for venues like Dharamshala, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Jaipur, stating, “This action was essential due to the events that unfolded last night. With time, conditions will improve, and matches will resume. The BCCI is committed to completing the IPL, and I believe this situation will resolve quickly as Pakistan will struggle to maintain pressure for long.”

The match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala was halted midway through the first innings on Thursday. Spectators were informed of the cancellation and instructed to leave the venue, while both teams were safely escorted back to their accommodations.

Sanjay Sharma, a representative from the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA), stated, “Due to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the match between Punjab and Delhi was called off for security reasons. However, we had anticipated such a possibility, and the HPCA, along with the Punjab Kings franchise and operational staff, had been in constant communication with the authorities, who were fully informed.”

As per BCCI sources, the Indian board arranged a special Vande Bharat train to transport players from Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and the entire broadcast crew from Dharamshala back to Delhi.