“Cricket Can Wait, Country Can’t”: Ganguly Supports IPL Suspension

Former India captain supports BCCI’s week-long suspension of IPL 2025 as a necessary step amid escalating cross-border tensions; reassures fans that the tournament will resume once the situation stabilizes.

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], May 10: Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly has voiced his support for the BCCI’s decision to temporarily suspend the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, citing the rising tensions between India and Pakistan as a “war-like situation.”

Speaking to media after the suspension was announced on Friday, Ganguly said, “There is a war-like situation in the country, and the BCCI had to do this as there are so many Indian and foreign players. Let’s hope the IPL restarts soon, as an important stage of the tournament is around the corner.”

He specifically referenced match venues in northern India—Dharamshala, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Jaipur—saying, “It is necessary to do this according to the situation that happened last night. With time, it will get better and matches will also be played. BCCI will complete the IPL, and this situation will end very soon as Pakistan will not be able to handle the pressure for a long time.”

The decision came shortly after the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at Dharamshala’s HPCA Stadium was abruptly halted due to security concerns mid-way through the first innings. Spectators were safely evacuated, and the teams returned to their hotel under escort.

Sanjay Sharma, a Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association official, said, “Because of the tension between India and Pakistan, yesterday’s match played between Punjab and Delhi was called off in the middle due to security reasons. The HPCA, Punjab Kings franchise, and operations staff were in constant coordination with local authorities.”

A BCCI source confirmed that a special Vande Bharat train was arranged to move players from Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and the broadcast crew from Dharamshala to Delhi, ensuring their safety amid the crisis.

The IPL suspension follows increased military activity at the India-Pakistan border after India’s retaliatory strikes under Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22.