The Indian Premier League has been put on hold for a week due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made this decision on Friday, May 9. The league is expected to resume after a week, with possible changes to the remaining match venues.
New Venues on the Cards?
The BCCI is considering hosting the remaining matches in just four Indian cities: Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. According to a report by the Times of India, the cricket board is closely monitoring the situation to decide on the way forward. The decision will be influenced by the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
The match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings was underway at the Dharamshala Stadium on the night of May 8. However, it was abandoned after Punjab managed to bat for just 10.1 overs. Pakistan’s failed missile attack on India prompted the BCCI to prioritize the safety of everyone involved. All spectators were safely evacuated from the stadium.
Safety First
Following the match cancellation, all IPL players, support staff, and crew members were transported to New Delhi on a special train. They returned safely on the night of May 9 on a Vande Bharat train. The BCCI has emphasized that player safety is its top priority.