 "IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals stopped mid-way due to security concerns. Image: AFP")
Sports is often seen as something that brings people together, but sometimes, political and military tensions can stop even the biggest of events. The ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan has started to affect sports in both countries. The Indian Premier League (IPL), one of the world’s most-watched sporting tournaments, has been suspended for a week as a safety measure taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The inaugural edition of Neeraj Chopra Classic, a javelin throw event that was scheduled to be held in Bengaluru, has also been postponed. On the other side of the fence, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 season has been suspended indefinitely due to the situation along the Indo-Pak borders. These are just a few examples that have occurred since the situation between the two nuclear-armed nations escalated on 7th May.
Several sporting bodies are waiting and watching, hoping things will calm down. But this isn’t the first time sports have been disrupted due to war or politics. Here’s a look at moments in history when global tensions forced sports to stop:
When wars stopped sports
Ukrainian football league 2021-22: The most recent example of war impacting sports is the suspension of the Ukrainian Premier League 2021-22 season and its subsequent cancellation due to the Russia-Ukraine war. No winners were awarded as the league couldn’t be completed because of the martial law in Ukraine.
Berlin Olympics cancelled in 1916: Germany had already built a stadium for the 1916 Olympics in Berlin. But when World War I broke out after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the Games had to be cancelled. The Olympics only returned in 1920 in Antwerp.
Olympics cancelled in 1940 and 1944: Tokyo was chosen to host the 1940 Olympics, but Japan’s invasion of Manchuria during World War II led to a change in plans. The Games were moved to Helsinki, but even that didn’t happen because of the war. The 1944 Olympic Games, scheduled for London, were also cancelled due to the war.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsCricket in World War II: Cricket was severely impacted during World War II and first-class matches in most countries were suspended. England, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand suffered the most. England’s tour of India in 1939-40 was cancelled. However, India managed to successfully conduct Ranji Trophy games throughout the war.
Football World Cups in 1942 and 1946: The 1942 FIFA World Cup never took place because World War II was at its peak. Even after the war ended, Europe was in ruins, and FIFA cancelled the 1946 edition as well. The tournament only resumed in 1950 in Brazil.
English football suspended during World Wars: The 1914-15 season of English football was completed even though World War I had started. Everton were the champions. But after that, league football stopped for five years. Later, during World War II, league matches were cancelled for seven years starting from 1939 after Germany invaded Poland.
Yugoslavia’s missed chance at Euro 1992: Yugoslavia had one of the best football teams in the early 1990s. They easily qualified for Euro 1992. But just before the tournament, war broke out in the Balkans and the United Nations banned Yugoslavia from taking part. Denmark, who replaced them, went on to win the title.