India suspends IPL cricket league amid tensions with Pakistan

India’s cricket board has officially suspended the Indian Premier League (IPL) for one week amid rising tensions with Pakistan, halting one of the world’s richest sports leagues at a critical stage of its season.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the decision on Friday, saying it was made by the IPL Governing Council in consultation with franchise owners, sponsors, broadcasters, and other key 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,” the BCCI said in an official statement.

“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 suspension comes as a major blow to the Reliance-Disney joint venture that holds broadcast rights for the IPL, as well as dozens of brands that have invested millions in advertising and sponsorship during the season.

The IPL, which kicked off on March 22, was scheduled to conclude with its final on May 25, with matches being played across 13 venues nationwide. Thursday’s match in Dharamsala was abandoned midway. The board initially attributed the disruption to a power failure, though it coincided with the outbreak of hostilities along the India-Pakistan border.

The escalation in tensions began on Wednesday after India launched airstrikes on what it claimed were “terrorist infrastructure” sites in Pakistan, following a deadly attack in Kashmir. Pakistan has denied the accusations and called for an independent investigation.

India’s military said Pakistani forces had retaliated on Thursday night and early Friday with attacks across the western border using drones and other munitions, a claim Pakistan has also denied.

The suspension marks one of the most significant disruptions to the IPL since the COVID-19 pandemic.