IPL suspended indefinitely as military tensions escalate between India and Pakistan

The Indian Premier League has been suspended amid mounting security concerns following the military escalation between India and Pakistan, the Hindustan Times reported on Friday citing BCCI sources.

The development comes after the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals clash in Dharamsala was called off due to safety issues. The venue is located less than 100 kilometres from Pathankot, where air raid alerts were sounded, prompting the BCCI to take the call. 

“We have decided to indefinitely suspend the IPL. The players’ safety is our utmost priority. Hence, we decided to stop the tournament for now. We’ll decide later if and when the tournament can resume. Right now, national interest is of utmost importance,” sources in the BCCI told the newspaper.

The match in Dharamsala, which had started later than scheduled due to rain, was abruptly halted when floodlights in the stadium went out. Initially believed to be a technical glitch, the situation quickly escalated when players and officials were informed of the security risks posed by the air raid alerts.

A player also told the Indian Express that there was “panic” among both teams, and foreign players were particularly worried for their safety. Australian media had earlier reported that their players had also expressed concerns over their safety and were “ready” to return home.