Less than a day after the match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was called off midway due to air raids in neigbouring cities, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been suspended indefinitely. Sports Tak has learnt that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken the big decision following the escalation on the India-Pakistan border on May 8 evening.
Details around whether the IPL 2025 will take place in India or shifted to another country are yet to be announced. Currently, there are 17 matches including two qualifiers, eliminator and the final remaining in the IPL 2025.
The BCCI is currently making arrangements to send overseas players and members of the coaching staff back to their homes.
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How evacuation was carried out in Dharamsala stadium
Earlier, on May 8, the match between PBKS and DC was cancelled during 11th over of the first innings. The spectators were told that it was done after the floodlights at the venue suffered technical issues in order to avoid panic.
Later, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) arranged a special train to get players, support staff and others from Dharamsala to Delhi. As per reports, the overseas cricketers are nervous considering the rising tensions on the India-Pakistan border.
"We are reviewing the situation right now. It is an evolving situation. We haven't received any directive from the government. Obviously the decision will be taken keeping all the logistics in mind," IPL chairman Arun Dhumal had told PTI after the Dharamsala game was called off.
While the arrangements for the players and supports staff were being made, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) ensured that the hotel both teams were staying at was under heavy security. However, there was no blackout in the area.
"Players of both the teams are safely back in the hotel from the stadium. There is no blackout here at the moment. Hotel is under heavy security and we are waiting for BCCI's decision," a HPCA source told PTI.
On May 9, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were scheduled to go up against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Lucknow. Currently, Gujarat Titans (GT) are leading the points table with 16 points from 11 games. They are followed by RCB, PBKS and Mumbai Indians (MI). Seven teams are in contention for the playoffs spot including DC, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and LSG.