The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season has been temporarily suspended for one week due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Following the announcement, the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) and Cricket Australia (CA) voiced their concerns regarding the safety of their players.
The announcement came through a statement issued by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Friday afternoon. Notably, the match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dharamsala was abandoned midway at HPCA Stadium on Thursday, May 8. All franchises have started disbanding their players.
The Health and Safety of Players Is Not Negotiable – South African Cricketers’ Association
Andrew Breetzke, chief executive of the South African Cricketers’ Association, said that player safety is a top priority and cannot be compromised. He confirmed that the association is maintaining direct communication with all South African players currently participating in the IPL.
“The health and safety of players is not negotiable. We are in direct contact with all the South African players at the IPL and keeping them updated with security reports. We have offered them any support they need,” Andrew Breetzke said.
The escalating conflict has caused significant concern and anxiety among the franchises, particularly among the international players. While relocating venues or even moving the entire tournament to another location were considered viable options, the BCCI has opted to suspend the league for now.
Participants in the discussion reached a unanimous agreement that proceeding with the IPL in the current situation was not suitable.
We Continue to Closely Monitor the Situation – Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia released a statement on Friday, stating that they are closely monitoring the ongoing situation in Pakistan and India. They are in constant contact with the Australian Government, PCB, BCCI, and local authorities.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation in Pakistan and India, including obtaining regular advice and updates from the Australian Government, the PCB, BCCI and local government authorities, and maintaining communication with our players and support staff currently in the region,” Cricket Australia stated.
During the IPL 2025 season, Australian players such as Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Travis Head are participating in the tournament. Former Australian cricketers Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin are involved as coaches.
The Asia Cup 2025 Window Could Be Viewed as an Avenue for Completing IPL 2025
The IPL 2025 season has completed 58 games, including the abandoned match in Dharamsala. Twelve group-stage games are still to be played before the playoffs.
If the situation worsens and the tournament can’t restart in the immediate week, the next possible window for completing the remaining matches could be in September, as India’s five-Test series in England begins on June 20. However, this overlaps with the Asia Cup 2025.
India is also scheduled to tour Bangladesh in the September-October window. However, if the Asia Cup doesn’t proceed as planned, IPL 2025 could be slotted during that period. The participation of overseas players remains uncertain if this plan moves forward.
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