New Delhi: The suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 amid the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan is set to have significant financial ramifications for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). IPL 2025 was suspended for a week on Friday, May 09, amid the escalated tensions between the two countries on the border following ‘Operation Sindoor’ by the Indian armed forces.
‘Operation Sindoor’ was in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 dead and several others injured on April 22. The Indian armed forces targeted terror infrastructures in nine regions across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), killing over 100 terrorists while destroying launchpads.
After the operation, Pakistan violated the ceasefire across the Line of Control (LOC) and launched drone and missile attacks, targeting military installations and civilian areas in multiple areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. In the wake of escalating tensions between the two nations, the BCCI decided to suspend IPL for a week.
IPL 2025 was suspended following the match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was abandoned in Dharamshala on Thursday. The match was called off midway after Pakistan attacked the Pathankot airbase, which is less than 100km from Dharamshala. While the decision was taken in the national interest, keeping the tensions on the border in mind, it came as a major financial blow to the BCCI.
Loss of Rs 100-125 crore for every cancelled match
As per a report in Hindustan Times, BCCI incurs a loss of an estimated Rs 120-125 crore for every match that is cancelled. Even if the insurance amount is taken into consideration, the loss the board incurs every game is at least half of the total amount, considering the broadcast, sponsorship and gate money. Though the matches might eventually take place at a later date when the league resumes, the suspension will cost BCCI heavily.
While the Indian cricket board, the franchises, the sponsors and the broadcasters incur heavy losses due to the suspension, it also adversely affects a lot of vendors, merchandise sellers, cab operators and local hotels and restaurants, who benefit significantly from IPL matches being conducted in their respective cities.
IPL 2025 may resume next week after India, Pakistan announce ceasefire
As per reports, the IPL 2025 might resume as early as next week after India and Pakistan announced a ceasefire, bringing an end to three days of heavy exchange of fire and artillery across the border. The ceasefire was announced by the Indian government following talks between the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan and the DGMO of India on Saturday.
IPL 2025 might get underway next week if the situation improves on the border and there is de-escalation between the two countries. The league was suspended on Friday after 58 matches were completed. 16 matches, including the playoffs and the final, are yet to take place. The remain matches can be completed in the next phase of the tournament.
IPL 2025 was suspended for a week on Friday due to the increasing tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision was taken in national interest, keeping the escalating situation in mind. However, the suspension is set to be a major blow for BCCI, financially. IPL Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
