NEW DELHI: In response to rising tensions along the India-Pakistan border, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the suspension of the ongoing TATA IPL 2025 for one week, effective immediately. The decision follows the recent escalation in hostilities and the ongoing military operations under โOperation Sindoor.โ
The announcement was made after a meeting of the IPL Governing Council, where a consensus was reached following representations from most franchisees, who conveyed the concerns of their players. The decision was also influenced by the views of the tournamentโs official broadcaster, Jiostar, along with sponsors and fans.
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Solidarity with the Nation
The BCCI emphasized that while cricket is a national passion, the sovereignty, integrity, and security of the country take precedence.
“At this critical juncture, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation. We express our solidarity with the Government of India, the Armed Forces, and the people of our country,” the board stated in an official release.
The statement also paid tribute to the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces, whose heroic efforts under Operation Sindoor continue to protect and inspire the nation.
Stakeholder Consultations Played a Key Role
According to the BCCI, the suspension was a collective decision taken after extensive consultations with all key stakeholders. The franchisees expressed concerns on behalf of their players, while the broadcaster Jiostar, title sponsor TATA, and other partners demonstrated unwavering support for the move.
“The BCCI thanks Jiostar, TATA, and all associate partners for their support in prioritizing national interest over all other considerations,” the statement added.
JioStar Backs the Decision
Jiostar, the official broadcaster of the IPL, expressed full support for the BCCIโs decision. In a separate statement, the broadcaster emphasized that national interest must always come first and assured its continued collaboration with the BCCI to ensure a smooth transition and safe return of all personnel involved in the tournament broadcast.
Possible Extension of Suspension
While the suspension is officially set for one week, the BCCI clarified that further decisions would be based on a comprehensive security review in consultation with government agencies. Given the evolving situation, the suspension may be extended if necessary to ensure the safety of all participants and the public.
The BCCI has assured that any updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a thorough assessment of the situation. This development comes at a time when the nation is closely monitoring the situation along the border, with widespread support for the Indian Armed Forces.
