 "The future of IPL 2025's remaining matches hangs in balance as India-Pakistan conflict escalates. Image; PTI")
The Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman, Arun Dhumal, has revealed that a full suspension of the 2025 edition was discussed, but the governing council eventually decided to halt things for just one week before taking a final call later. The remainder of the IPL 2025 season was suspended on Friday amid the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict.
The tournament, which started on 22 March, still has 12 league games to complete, besides four playoff games. No team has reached the playoffs yet despite 58 out of 70 league matches being completed.
The IPL 2025 was suspended for one week after the game between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was called off midway due to Pakistan’s missile and drone attacks on Indian cities.
In its official release, the IPL organisers said that the new schedule for remaining matches will be announced in “due course” after a “comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders.”
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, while speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, explained that the decision to suspend IPL temporarily was taken due to the ongoing conflict and as it was felt it was not the right time for cricket.
“See, given the situation as of now, we thought it appropriate that it does not make sense to have the tournament going on for a while, and as the situation unfolds in the coming days, accordingly will take a call," Arun Dhumal told CNN-News18.
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More ShortsFinal call on IPL 2025 resumption to be taken later
Dhumal also shared that a full suspension of IPL 2025 was also discussed, but eventually the call was made to wait for a week before deciding the future of the tournament.
“We were considering (full suspension) and we were discussing with all the stakeholders and it was thought appropriate to suspend for a week, assess the situation and then take a final call," he added.
“See as of now, as you know, the entire country is focused on winning this war and we want to show our solidarity with our armed forces and with our government. So that is the focus as of now, we are not considering everything else as of now. So, we will review the situation and accordingly, take a call after discussing with all the stakeholders," he added.
With Pakistan launching fresh attacks on Friday, the resumption could be delayed further. In such a scenario, the BCCI can use the September window for its competition. The September window includes the Asia Cup 2025, which is expected to be cancelled in 2025.