New IPL schedule to be announced later, BCCI stands with Indian Army: Rajeev Shukla

The BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has confirmed that the schedule for the remainder of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) will be announced after consultation with all the stakeholders. The 18th edition of the IPL has been suspended for a week with immediate effect due to the rising tensions at the India and Pakistan border. Shukla assured that the Indian cricket board will stand with the nation’s armed forces and the government.

"IPL 2025 has been suspended for a week in view of the current situation. The new schedule for the tournament will be announced after consultation with the government, stakeholders and the broadcasters. We are proud of the Indian Army. BCCI stands with our Armed Forces and the government," Shukla was quoted as saying by the Tribune.

On May 8, the clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was called off midway during the first innings at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala, as the spectators were asked to vacate the ground and both the teams' players were escorted to their respective hotels. 

Notably, IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal also clarified that purpose behind mentioning floodlights failure as the reason to abandon the match was a tactic to prevent panic. It was later confirmed by the board that the match was indeed abandoned keeping in mind the security of the players and spectators amid the worsening situation, with Dharamshala being only 85-90 kms away from the Indian border. 

Dhumal on how floodlights failure tactic reduced crowd panic

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Dhumal on how floodlights failure tactic reduced crowd panic

"Because of the tension between India and Pakistan, yesterday's match played between Punjab and Delhi was called off in the middle due to security reasons. But because there was a possibility that something like this could have happened, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, the Punjab Kings franchisee, and all the operations staff were already in touch with the administration. The administration was fully aware of this," Sanjay Sharma, member of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA), said.