The Board of Control for Cricket in India suspended the 2025 Indian Premier League with immediate effect on 9 May.
The tournament has been stopped amid political and violent conflict between India and Pakistan.
“The IPL has been suspended with immediate effect for one week,” read a statement from BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
“Further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
“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 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.”
Several South Africans who were involved in this year’s IPL, including:
- Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans);
- Nandre Burger, Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Kwena Maphaka (Rajasthan Royals);
- Dewald Brevis (Chennai Super Kings);
- David Miller, Aiden Markram and Matthew Breetzke (Lucknow Super Giants);
- Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings);
- Heinrich Klaasen and Wiaan Mulder (Sunrisers Hyderabad);
- Faf du Plessis, Tristan Stubbs and Donovan Ferreira (Delhi Capitals);
- Anrich Norte and Quinton de Kock (Kolkata Knight Riders);
- Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians); and
- Lungi Ngidi (Royal Challengers Bengaluru).
Pretorius, Breetzke, Burger and Maphaka hadn’t yet played a match in the 2025 IPL. Brevis and Bosch, like Burger and Pretorius, were late squad additions. Rabada missed a month of Gujarat’s 2025 IPL campaign due to a ban.
The Gujarat Titans were at the top of the IPL points table at the time of the suspension. Rajasthan, Chennai and Hyderabad had been eliminated from contention for a berth in the play-off stage of the tournament.
Mumbai and Chennai are the most successful team in the history of the IPL, which started in 2008. They have five titles each. The Kolkata Knight Riders are the reigning champions and have three titles.
Rajasthan won the inaugural title. Punjab, Bengaluru, Lucknow and Delhi have never won an IPL title.
This year’s Pakistan Super League, meanwhile, has also been suspended. The PSL was going to be relocated to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, but has since been halted indefinitely.
“The PCB recognises the efforts and support of its partners, franchises, participating players, broadcasters, sponsors, and organisers in having ensured the smooth conduct of the tournament thus far, however; cricket while being a unifying force and a source of joy, must take a respectful pause,” read a statement from the PCB.
“We have sincere regard for the mental well-being of participating players and the sentiments of our foreign players, and we respect the concerns of their families who want to see them back home.”
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