New Delhi: The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan have led to the postponement of IPL 2025 for one week, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) taking precautionary measures following escalating security concerns. The offer of hosting the remainder of the season has come from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), according to reports.
The suspension follows the disruption of the 58th match of the IPL 2025 between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, which was halted midway due to security risks. The crowd at the venue was evacuated as a precautionary measure. In response to the heightened security situation, the BCCI decided to delay the tournament, which still has 16 more matches remaining, including the playoffs.
According to The Guardian, ECB chief executive Richard Gould has reportedly contacted BCCI officials with a proposal to host the remainder of IPL 2025 in England, should India be unable to resume the tournament after the one-week hiatus. The ECB is said to be considering hosting the remaining fixtures in September, though no official talks are underway yet.
This is not the first time the ECB has offered to host the IPL. A similar offer was made during the postponement of IPL 2021, which was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament was eventually completed in the United Arab Emirates after several months of uncertainty.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also made changes to its own cricket schedule in response to the escalating situation. The PCB had initially planned to relocate the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to Dubai due to security concerns but has since postponed the remaining eight matches of the 10th edition indefinitely. This decision was made following the recent increase in aerial attacks along the Line of Control (LoC) and after advice from Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif.
The PCB statement cited rising tensions and the increased security threat, with the situation escalating to the point where national focus has shifted to the defense efforts of Pakistan’s armed forces. Despite the claims from Pakistan, India’s actions have been a direct response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that resulted in 26 civilian deaths, with India targeting terrorist camps and military installations across the border.
As the situation continues to evolve, both the BCCI and ECB are closely monitoring the security situation, while the PCB grapples with the impact of the ongoing conflict on its domestic cricketing calendar.
