IPL season suspended for one week amid India-Pakistan conflict

A decision has been made following the abandonment of Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals on Thursday following rising tensions between the country and Pakistan

Match called off after blackout in Dharamshala during the 2025 IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals (Getty Images)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been suspended for one week by the Indian cricket board following rising tensions between the country and Pakistan.

Thursday's IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in the hill city of Dharamsala was abandoned midway amid fighting on the border regions.

An IPL statement said: “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 [Board of Control for Cricket in India] 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 world's richest cricket tournament began its current season on March 22, and the final fixture was scheduled to be played on May 25, with matches being spread over 13 venues across the country.

The nuclear-armed neighbours have been locked in conflict since Wednesday, when India targeted multiple locations in Pakistan, claiming they were "terrorist infrastructure" in response to a deadly attack in Kashmir last month.

Spectators leave the stands after authorities evacuated the stadium during the 2025 IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals (Getty Images)

New Delhi named two Pakistani nationals as suspects and accused Islamabad of being involved in the attack, a charge Pakistan denied and sought an independent probe.

India's army said Pakistan's armed forces carried out "multiple attacks" using drones and other munitions across the entire western border on Thursday night and early Friday, a claim Pakistan denied.

Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals were both awarded one point after the decision to abandon the match, with rain and a wet outfield initially delaying the start by an 90 minutes.

“Due to a power outage in the area, one of the light towers at the HPCA stadium malfunctioned," the IPL said in a statement. "BCCI regrets the inconvenience caused to the in-stadium attendees.”

It was the final game of the season in Dharamsala, with the IPL shifting Punjab’s scheduled game on Sunday against Mumbai Indians to Ahmedabad over the India-Pakistan tensions.

Airports in Dharamsala and Chandigarh, where the Punjab Kings are based, have been closed for civilian and commercial purposes since Wednesday, with more airports in India’s northwestern corridor also closed off.