In the latest development, the BCCI has suspended the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League amid escalating tension against Pakistan. “It does not look nice that cricket goes on while the country is at war,” a BCCI official told PTI, confirming the suspension of the league, which was to wind up on May 25 in Kolkata.
A cloud of uncertainty had loomed over the future of the ongoing edition since the cancellation of Thursday’s match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala midway following air raid alerts in neighbouring cities of Jammu and Pathankot.
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal was seen gesturing the spectators to leave the Dharamsala stadium. With Pakistan shooting drones near Jammu Airport and many other nearby regions, blackouts triggered and there was a floodlight failure at the venue.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla while speaking to The Indian Express had said, “We are monitoring the situation, seeking the Government’s advice, and will take the final decision on the IPL tomorrow. The situation is changing day by day. We will do whatever we are told and inform all stakeholders. At the moment, our priority is the safety of all players, fans and stakeholders,”
Dhumal on Thursday said government directives are being awaited before deciding on whether to continue with the league amid the military clash with Pakistan but Friday’s match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru “is on as of now”.
A cheerleader at the Dharamsala Stadium expressed her fear amid the escalating situation. Speaking in a video that surfaced on social media, the cheerleader said
“So basically the whole stadium in the middle of the match was evacuated and it was very scary. Everyone was just screaming and it was very scary, it’s still very very scary. We want to really go out of Dharamsala and I hope the IPL people will look after us. So yeah, this is very very scary. I don’t know why I’m not crying. I think I’m still in shock.”
On Thursday, a blackout was enforced in several districts including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali in Punjab and Union Territory Chandigarh amid air raid alarms and reports of explosion-like sounds in Jammu. Earlier in the day, the Pakistan Super League was moved to the UAE.
