New Delhi: The Indian Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) put the Indian Premier League (IPL) on hold indefinitely following heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan along their shared border. This follows Thursday’s Delhi Capitals vs. Punjab Kings match in Dharamshala being abruptly halted in the middle of a blackout during play.
According to authorities, the match was initially disrupted by technical breakdown of the floodlights.However, the actual reason, as confirmed subsequently, had something to do with security signals in the area. Activity from drones and airspace incursions from the other side of the border in Pathankot and Jammu & Kashmir had triggered a high-alert procedure. BCCI then abandoned the match half-way through, on grounds of operational and safety considerations.
The incident compelled organisers to move players, match officials, and television crews out of the stadium. A special train was organised from Dharamshala to shift all personnel to a safe place, according to a board source privy to the developments.
A top BCCI official, in an interview with national media, admitted that the prevailing environment was “not conducive” to proceeding with the tournament. He confirmed that the league had been suspended indefinitely for the sake of security of players and officials. He had made the decision, though sudden, for days due to the worsening of the security situation.
Until Thursday, 58 of the scheduled 74 matches had been played this season. Friday’s Lucknow Super Giants versus Royal Challengers Bangalore match was to be the 59th. The grand final, initially to be played on 25 May in Kolkata, now hangs in the balance along with the remaining 16 matches.
Curiously, only a few hours prior to the announcement, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal had reassured that the 18th edition of the tournament would go ahead as planned. But that stance reversed immediately as the perception of threat mounted and backdoor contingency meetings were conducted.
The last call was taken late Thursday evening after meetings with security agencies.