New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to make a critical decision regarding the future of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Friday, May 9, 2025, amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. This situation has raised serious concerns about player and spectator safety, prompting the league to reconsider its schedule.
On Thursday, May 8, the IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was abruptly abandoned after just 10.1 overs due to a floodlight failure. This match was called off around 9:35 PM local time, coinciding with alarming reports of aerial attacks near the region, specifically in Pathankot, located approximately 90 kilometers from Dharamsala.
Rajeev Shukla, vice-president of the BCCI, stated, "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," as reported by The Indian Express.
The IPL, which began on March 22, 2025, features ten teams and has attracted a global audience, with the final scheduled for May 25 at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. However, the ongoing violence has cast a long shadow over the tournament. Since Wednesday, May 7, at least 48 people have died in clashes along the border, marking one of the most violent periods between the two nations in decades.
As the BCCI prepares for its crucial meeting, sources suggest that the board is considering various options, including the possibility of suspending the league or revising its itinerary. The decision to abandon the Dharamsala game was reportedly made by the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association after receiving a call from a senior cricket official. Following this communication, the stadium's floodlights were turned off, and spectators were asked to leave the venue swiftly.
"We were told about attacks in nearby Pathankot. We were asked to go back to the hotel immediately. There was some panic... Delhi Capitals were seated in the Punjab team bus and vice-versa. We wanted to go out, but there was a huge crowd. The foreign players were worried, with many of them wanting to return home," recounted one player, highlighting the tense atmosphere.
With regional airports shut down due to the unrest, the BCCI is working on a contingency plan to ensure the safety of all involved. Shukla mentioned, "We are trying to see if we can get the teams to Delhi by train. The BCCI is trying its best to ensure everyone is safe." This statement underscores the board's commitment to prioritizing the well-being of players and staff amid these challenging circumstances.
Moreover, the IPL is not the only cricket league facing disruptions due to the geopolitical climate. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to shift the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 to the United Arab Emirates. This decision followed the cancellation of a match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in Rawalpindi due to security concerns stemming from drone strikes that damaged infrastructure near the stadium.
As the BCCI deliberates its next steps, the IPL chairperson Arun Dhumal was seen at the Dharamsala stadium, gesturing to fans to leave the premises safely. The swift evacuation of players and support staff was a testament to the seriousness of the situation, with many players arriving back at their hotel still in their cricket gear.
In light of the recent bomb threat received by the SMS stadium in Jaipur, which is set to host a game in the coming week, the BCCI is likely to appraise other cricket boards about the ongoing situation to ensure the safety of their players as well.
As the IPL season hangs in the balance, fans and stakeholders eagerly await the BCCI's decision, which is expected to shape the immediate future of cricket in India. With the league being one of the richest and most popular in the world, the ramifications of this decision will be felt far beyond the cricketing community.
In conclusion, the BCCI's upcoming announcement will be pivotal not only for the IPL but also for the broader context of sports in India during a time of national crisis. As tensions continue to escalate, the safety of players, staff, and fans remains the top priority.
