The Indian Premier League has been put on hold due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision came after the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was called off in Dharamshala last Thursday. The ground was quickly evacuated following the cancellation.
This isn’t the first time the IPL has been disrupted. A similar situation occurred four years ago, in 2021, when the tournament was suspended due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. The remaining matches were later held in the UAE after a four-and-a-half-month break.
The 2021 season saw Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Kolkata Knight Riders make it to the playoffs. Chennai Super Kings eventually won the title by defeating Kolkata Knight Riders in the final.
Coincidence or not?
It’s worth noting that both times the IPL was disrupted, the match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings was the last one played before the suspension. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cited security concerns as the reason for the current break. The league is expected to resume in a week, but the date may be pushed back depending on the situation.
The reason behind the suspension has nothing to do with the previous reason, which was the COVID-19 pandemic. The current situation is related to the growing tensions between India and Pakistan.