The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been suspended indefinitely due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, a senior official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed to Hindustan Times Friday.
The decision comes in the wake of reported missile attacks by Pakistan on several border areas, including Jammu, on Thursday night. As part of an air raid alert, floodlights at the Dharamshala stadium were turned off mid-match during a game between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals. The stadium is located less than 100 kilometers from Pathankot, one of the regions affected by the missile threats.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, the BCCI official said, “We have decided to suspend the IPL indefinitely. The safety of our players is our top priority. Given the current national security situation, we believe this is the right step. Whether the tournament can resume later, and if so when, will be decided in due course. Right now, national interest comes first.”
This marks a rare interruption for the IPL, one of the world's most-watched cricket tournaments, as geopolitical tensions cast a shadow over the sporting calendar.
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