Hardik Pandya extends support to Indian Armed Forces amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan

Hardik Pandya (Pic: File Pic)

Team India star all-rounder Hardik Pandya expressed support for the Indian Armed Forces following the rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

Pandya took to his official social media handle by sharing a story which read, "Proud and grateful to our armed forces for the courage and sacrifices they've made. Thank you for protecting and keeping everyone in our country safe".

Currently, Hardik's Mumbai Indians (MI) is placed in the fourth position on the IPL 2025 points table.

Following the cross-border tensions, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also announced the suspension of IPL 2025 for one week.

Also Read: IPL 2025 | "Everyone felt we should stand united as a nation": Chairman Arun Dhumal

"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing TATA IPL 2025 with immediate effect for one week. 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," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in the statement.

"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," he added.

Additionally, the inaugural edition of the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 has also been postponed. The global event was scheduled on May 24 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.

"In light of the current situation, the inaugural edition of the NC Classic stands postponed until further notice. This decision has been made after careful thought and consultation, with the well-being of athletes, stakeholders, and the broader community as the top priority," read a statement from NC Classic on Instagram.

"We believe in the unifying power of sport. But, in this critical moment, standing firm with the nation matters most. All our gratitude and thoughts at this point are only with our Armed Forces, who are at the forefront for our nation. A revised schedule for the NC Classic will be provided in due course. Jai Hind," the statement concluded.

Due to recent developments, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) decided to postpone the Bengal Pro T20 League Season 2 and all related pre-events.

"Considering the prevailing national circumstances, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has decided to postpone the start of Bengal Pro T20 League Season 2 and thus all pre-events related with it, until further notice. A revised schedule, including updated venues and fixtures, will be shared after a detailed review of the situation in coordination with relevant authorities and stakeholders and any advisory as issued by the BCCI," CAB said in a statement.

Several cricket stadiums in India had received bomb threats. So far, the list of stadiums includes Eden Gardens, Arun Jaitely, Sawai Mansingh Stadium and MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Earlier, the IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was called off due to power outage at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala.

(With ANI Inputs)