IPL suspended for a week due to India-Pak tensions

The ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been suspended for a week starting May 9. In the wake of the heightened political tension between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to halt the league “with immediate effect” on Friday afternoon, a day after the match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was abandoned midway in Dharamshala for the safety of the players and the spectators.

“The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders… While the BCCI reposes full faith in the strength of our armed forces, the Board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders. At this critical juncture, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation,” said Devajit Saikia, BCCI secretary, said in a statement that put an end to the speculation surrounding the future of the 18^th edition of the league, which is currently at the pointy end of the tournament.

On May 8, the match between PBKS and DC was called off after just 10.1 overs at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, after three floodlights went off at 21:29pm IST, forcing first a stop in play, followed by a complete abandonment of the match. The BCCI statement said that the match was called off “due to a significant technical failure”. It was later reported that the HPCA was asked by the state government to evacuate the ground due to cross-border shelling and military escalation in nearby Jammu.

Shortly after the announcement of the suspension on Friday, Virat Kohli put out this post on Instagram: “We stand in solidarity with, and salute our armed forces for fiercely protecting our country in these difficult times. We are forever indebted to our heroes for their unwavering bravery and heartfelt gratitude for the sacrifices they and their families make for our great nation. Jai Hind.”

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the ongoing Pakistan Super League too has been shifted out of the country and moved to the United Arab Emirates.

 

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