Introduction
The TATA IPL 2025 has been temporarily suspended due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after the recent attack in Pahalgam. Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has come out in support of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), stating that the decision was necessary in light of the escalating situation.
IPL 2025 Suspended: Official Announcement
On Friday, May 9, 2025, the BCCI officially announced the suspension of IPL 2025 for one week. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia issued a statement confirming that the decision was taken after a comprehensive assessment of the situation and in consultation with relevant stakeholders. The tournament, which had completed 58 matches, was in its final stretch with only 12 games left before the playoffs scheduled to conclude at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Sourav Ganguly Reacts: ‘This Decision Had to Be Taken’
Sourav Ganguly, in a statement quoted by ANI, said, “There is a war-like situation, so this decision had to be taken. I hope the IPL will start again… BCCI will complete the IPL and this kind of situation will not last long because Pakistan will not be able to sustain India’s pressure.” Ganguly emphasized that the BCCI is a highly efficient organization and capable of finding a solution in due time.
Security Concerns and Match Cancellations
Security concerns had already begun impacting the tournament. Just a day before the announcement, the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala was abruptly canceled. While the initial reason cited was a “technical issue,” IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal later clarified in an interview that it was due to a red alert issued for Jammu.
Another match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru was set to take place at the Ekana Stadium, but its status is now uncertain following the suspension.
Pakistan Super League (PSL) Also Postponed
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also postponed the remaining matches of the PSL 2025. Although there were reports that the PCB had requested the Emirates Cricket Board to host the remaining games in the UAE, permission was reportedly denied. Subsequently, the PSL was put on hold on the advice of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, as per PTI.
Geopolitical Tensions Behind the Suspension
The current crisis stems from the deadly attack in Pahalgam, which has reignited tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. In response, many Indian voices, including former cricketers and political leaders, have called for a complete boycott of cricketing ties with Pakistan.
Ganguly’s statement aligns with the national sentiment and underlines a shift toward prioritizing national security over sporting events in times of crisis.
What’s Next for IPL 2025?
The BCCI has assured fans that updates regarding the revised schedule and venues will be released soon. If the situation stabilizes, the remaining league matches and playoffs are likely to resume. For now, the cricketing world waits, hopeful for a peaceful resolution that allows the IPL to resume safely and seamlessly.
Conclusion
The suspension of IPL 2025 marks a rare but critical moment where cricket pauses amid geopolitical tension. With Sourav Ganguly backing the BCCI, the decision finds support from a national icon, reinforcing its legitimacy. All eyes are now on the BCCI and political developments in the region to see when and how the beloved tournament can safely return.
For live updates, check our India-Pakistan Tensions Timeline.
Also read: IPL 2025 Points Table Update.