Over its 17-year history, the league has faced interruptions ranging from national elections to public health crises and now geopolitical conflict (Pic: PTI)
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 Covid-19 surge
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
The current edition, IPL 2025, was halted after 58 of 70 league-stage matches, following rising military tensions after Operation Sindoor. The turning point came when the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala was abandoned mid-game, prompting the league’s indefinite suspension
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