Over its 17-year history, the league has faced interruptions ranging from national elections to Covid-19 and now geopolitical conflict
Notably, this is not the first time that the IPL has been disrupted due to external circumstances (Pic: PTI)
The IPL 2025 was on Friday suspended for one week in light of the intensifying military standoff between India and Pakistan. The decision follows a growing wave of uncertainty that began with the abrupt cancellation of Thursday's match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala, which was halted mid-innings due to air raid alerts in the nearby regions of Jammu and Pathankot.
"The tournament has been suspended for a week. The next decision will be taken after assessing the situation," said IPL chairman Arun Dhumal.
Notably, this is not the first time that the IPL has been disrupted due to external circumstances. Over its 17-year history, the league has faced interruptions ranging from national elections to Covid-19 and now geopolitical conflict.
IPL 2025 suspended: Troubled seasons from the past
IPL 2009: Entire season relocated to South Africa
In 2009, the IPL was shifted in its entirety to South Africa due to scheduling conflicts with India’s Lok Sabha elections. The government expressed its inability to provide adequate security for both the elections and the cricket matches, prompting the BCCI to relocate the tournament overseas.
IPL 2014: UAE hosts opening phase
The 2014 edition faced similar logistical issues due to the general elections. The first 20 matches were held in the UAE, across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, before the league returned to India for the remaining fixtures.
IPL 2020: Postponed and held entirely in UAE
The outbreak of Covid-19 forced the postponement of IPL 2020. Initially slated for March-April, the tournament was eventually staged from September to November in the UAE under strict bio-secure protocols and without spectators.
IPL 2021: Mid-season halt due to surge in Covid-19 cases
The 2021 season began in India but was suspended after 29 matches when several players and staff members tested positive for Covid-19. The tournament was later resumed and completed in the UAE in September.
IPL 2025: Suspended amid cross-border tensions
IPL 2025 was halted after 58 of 70 league-stage matches were played out, following rising military tensions after 'Operation Sindoor'. The turning point came when Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala was abandoned mid-game, prompting the league’s indefinite suspension.
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