“The decision was taken by the IPL governing council"
The IPL has been suspended for at least a week due to growing security concerns.
The move follows rising tensions on India’s border with Pakistan and comes just hours after the Pakistan Super League was relocated to the UAE.
Foreign players in both countries are expected to leave within 24 hours.
Devajit Saikia, secretary of the Board for Control of Cricket in India, said:
“Further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
“The decision was taken by the IPL governing council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans; while the BCCI reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders.”
The match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was abandoned after 10.1 overs.
Players were rushed out of the stadium and returned to Delhi on a chartered train.
Mumbai Indians were already travelling to Dharamsala when the abandonment was announced.
Talks about moving the fixture to Mumbai were rejected. Ahmedabad was then agreed upon as a neutral venue.
The team reached Gujarat only to learn of the IPL’s suspension.
Foreign players in the squad will return to Mumbai before heading home.
Dharamsala is 80 kilometres from Pathankot, where Indian military bases were reportedly hit by “missiles and drones” on May 8..
A BCCI official said: “It does not look nice that cricket goes on while the country is at war.”
With 58 games completed and 16 remaining, including playoffs, the BCCI must decide how to finish the season.
Relocating the IPL to the UAE is not possible due to the ongoing PSL.
South Africa is a potential alternative, with IPL franchise owners also controlling teams in its SA20 tournament.
The IPL was previously moved to South Africa in 2009 and to the UAE in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid disruptions.
A late summer resumption after India’s Test series in England is being considered.
India is scheduled to play in Bangladesh in August and host the Asia Cup in September, but both events may be cancelled.
This could open a window for the IPL to resume, despite a clash with English tournaments. Meanwhile, the PSL was also hit by Thursday’s events.
A match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings was postponed after a missile reportedly struck near the Rawalpindi stadium.
PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi called the attack “extremely irresponsible” and “reckless”.
Naqvi said in a statement:
“The PCB has always stood by the position that politics and sports need to be kept apart.”
“However, in view of the extremely irresponsible and dangerous Indian act of targeting the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which was manifestly done to disrupt the ongoing Pakistan Super League, the PCB has decided to shift the remaining matches to UAE so that the domestic as well as foreign cricketers, who are our precious guests, can be saved from the possible reckless targeting by India.
“As a responsible organisation that has overcome adversities repeatedly and ensured that the game of cricket flourishes, it was important for us to ensure the mental well-being of all players participating in the PSL.
“I regret that our domestic audience and cricket lovers will not be able to watch these matches in Pakistan’s stadiums.”
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