After the recent war tension between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a big decision and decided to withdraw from the upcoming Asia Cup. The BCCI has informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) about its decision to withdraw from the Women's Emerging Team Asia Cup and Men's Asia Cup to be held in September. According to the reports, this decision of the BCCI is part of the effort to isolate Pakistan cricket. Currently, the ACC is headed by Mohsin Naqvi of Pakistan, who is also the President of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

A BCCI source stated that the Indian team would not participate in a tournament organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), citing that the ACC is headed by a Pakistani minister, which touches upon national sentiments. The source also went onto mention that they had verbally informed the ACC about India’s withdrawal from the upcoming Women’s Emerging Team Asia Cup and that future participation in ACC events has also been put on hold. They added that the BCCI is in constant communication with the Indian government regarding the matter.

 "The Indian team cannot play in a tournament that is organized by the ACC and whose head is a Pakistani minister. This matter is related to the sentiments of the country. We have verbally informed the ACC about our withdrawal from the upcoming Women's Emerging Team Asia Cup and our future participation in their events has also been put on hold. We are in constant touch with the Government of India," BCCI source said.

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🚨 INDIA OPTS OUT FROM ASIA CUP. 🚨

- The BCCI decides to not participate in the upcoming Asia Cup. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/DARU2lameb

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 19, 2025

Asia Cup may be postponed

The BCCI's strong stance has cast uncertainty over the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India in September. With major teams like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka participating, sources suggest the tournament may be postponed. The BCCI reportedly understands that the Asia Cup cannot proceed without India, given the heavy reliance on Indian sponsors and the massive viewership draw of an India-Pakistan clash, which is vital for broadcasters and overall tournament success.

Following the recent terrorist attack in India, there has been growing public sentiment demanding a complete sporting boycott of Pakistan, including in ICC events. Many have also raised concerns about India facing Pakistan in international tournaments, with calls for the two nations to be placed in separate groups to avoid direct matchups. This escalating pressure further complicates the scheduling and structuring of future multi-nation cricket events, particularly those involving both countries.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 is hanging in the balance, with foreign players not wanting to return in the wake of heightened India-Pakistan tensions. The tournament was put on hold on May 9, 2025, after a drone attack outside Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium created mass hysteria, prompting the PCB to delay matches indefinitely. With the IPL also suspended owing to Operation Sindoor—a counterattack in response to border incursions—subcontinent cricket is in shambles.

Foreign players, crucial to the PSL's international popularity, are taking safety precautions first, leaving the PCB in a state of panic. There were reports of players such as Australia's David Warner and New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell swearing never to come back to Pakistan, while England's Tom Curran was visibly shaken throughout the incident. South Africa's Andries Gous, who was scheduled to make his debut for Islamabad United, also withdrew, citing the volatile atmosphere. The PCB had first thought about relocating matches to Karachi, but as things deteriorated, the idea fell apart, further worsening the crisis.

The PCB is keen to save the season, particularly with playoff places at stake—Lahore Qalandars (9 points) and Peshawar Zalmi (8 points) were in the running before the suspension. An attempt to relocate to the UAE fell through, as the Emirates Cricket Board distanced itself to avoid straining ties with the BCCI, who’ve hosted IPL editions there. With no clear venue and fading player confidence, the PSL’s future looks bleak, leaving fans like me wondering if we’ll see any more action this year.

Can the PSL Bounce Back?

The PCB has a daunting task ahead: getting overseas players back on the field while keeping them safe. There are negotiations to postpone matches in a neutral country, potentially Sri Lanka, but there is no clear timeline yet. Cricket was already disrupted, as two Pakistan domestic tournaments were postponed, and the PCB has to move quickly to regain people's trust or face postponing the entire season, a huge loss for fans and players.

Also Read: India's likely squad for the 2025 England Test Series Without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

With global stars absent, the PSL loses its glamour, and that is well-known to the board. Global stars are the measure of a league's strength as well as watchability, and with today's environment, even that does not appear so real anymore. Hope the PCB somehow manages to deliver cricket once more in safety—fingers crossed for it all to resolve ASAP!

The 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL) turned into a nightmare for foreign players when a missile struck an airport 20 minutes after they were about to fly out of Pakistan. Bangladeshi cricketer Rishad landed safely in Dubai and expressed great relief to media persons, who termed the experience as "petrifying." "Alhamdulillah, we landed in Dubai despite a crisis," he added, remembering his team's dread at hearing the news of the attack after the touchdown. Against a backdrop of heightened tensions and bombings in Pakistan, the attack left players and families in shock. Rishad's parents, always concerned for his safety, were especially traumatized by the unstable environment, with news of the attack being received by them as both "frightening and tragic."

Foreign players such as Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, Kushal Perera, David Wiese, and Tom Curran were also deeply shaken. Mitchell, according to Rishad, promised never to visit Pakistan again under such conditions, and others were also equally outraged. Nahid Rana was visibly shocked and couldn't say a word during the crisis. "I kept saying to him, relax," said Rishad, underlining the relief of having arrived at Dubai. The episode has raised grave questions about the PSL's capacity to hold on to overseas talent, with the fear of narrowly avoiding harm hanging over it, threatening to tarnish the league's global image.

Tom Curran's Emotional Breakdown

England's Tom Curran had a particularly traumatic experience. Rishad spoke of how Curran had heard the airport was closed after the missile strike and broke down in tears. "He was crying like a kid," Rishad said, as teammates moved to comfort him. The psychological impact of this close brush with disaster has left a lasting scar, potentially deterring overseas players from future PSL involvement.

SHOCKING EXPERIENCE FOR OVERSEAS PLAYERS IN PSL. 🤯 [Cricbuzz] pic.twitter.com/GVhhXJARxp

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 10, 2025

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The incident highlights the broader challenges of hosting global sporting events in regions with geopolitical volatility. The psychological impact on players and added uncertainty about logistics create an extraordinary cognitive burden for organizers of the PSL to manage the safety and security dimensions. The ability to reassure international stars about their safety is critical. Otherwise, the league may lose its attractiveness, as players will likely opt for their own safety over participating in a potentially dangerous environment.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 has been shaken into chaos following the growing tensions between India and Pakistan, compelling the delay in matches and causing players to live in fear. A PSL celebrity exposed the level of fear, citing New Zealand cricketer Daryl Mitchell, who was said to have said that he would "never go to Pakistan again" after the traumatizing experience. The situation worsened when there was a drone attack close to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, causing a game between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings to be canceled. The attack caused overseas players to run away to Dubai for safety as the security situation went from bad to worse.

There was an atmosphere of fear among theplayers,s with some international stars such as Sam Billings, Kushal Perera, David Wiese, and Tom Curran showing their discomfort. One of the players, Rishad, in Dubai airport, described how terrified the team felt in the uncertainty, underlining the psychological cost to the cricketers. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was initially against calling off the tournament, butthe deterioratingg geopolitical situation, with the added provocation of India's military response after a terror attack in Pahalgam, left them with no option. The PCB has since shifted the remaining PSL fixtures to theUAE  in an attempt to save the season.

The broader cricketing landscape has also been affected, with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 suspending its matches for a week amid security concerns in India. This broader disruption shines a spotlight on the dilemmas of organizing major sporting events in an area with political tensions. The high levels of fear articulated by Mitchell and others raise major issues concerning the viability of international cricket in Pakistan - a country that has worked so very hard to re-establish itself as a viable place to host major global tournaments since before the attacks in 2009.

A Climate of Uncertainty for Cricket

The PSLL 2025 delay is a great setback to Pakistan's cricketing aspirations and brings under question its future suitability to host international competitions. The drone attack, termed "extremely irresponsible" by PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi, hasfurtheredd the insecurity among officials and players. Moving to Dubai might guarantee the end of the tournament but reflects the continuing challenges in restoring global confidenceinr Pakistan.

"All Of Them Were So Frightened, Daryl Mitchell Said He Would Never Go To Pakistan Again": PSL Star#PSL2025 https://t.co/dZUFJlSOqB

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) May 10, 2025

Also Read: PSL 2025 Setback: ECB turns down PCB request after Indian cricket’s silent push

At the same time, the suspension of the IPL is an indication of how geopolitical tensions within the subcontinent have the potential to upset even the largest of leagues. The PCB and BCCI alike now have the unenviable task of ensuring that players are safe while also appeasing fans and sponsors. The risk that players like Mitchell have mentioned is a wake-up call to the precarious interplay between politics and sport, and it is anything but certain how cricket in the region will unfold.

Over the years, cricket has been more than just a sport—it’s been a celebration of national pride and international unity. Even this beloved game, however, has not been spared from the effects of terrorism. Various series and tournaments have been interrupted, delayed, or outright cancelled as a result of terrorist threats or attacks. Even with tight security protocols by cricketing boards and international organizations, these horrific incidents have cast shadows over the sport. Following are a few of the most important instances when cricket was suspended due to terror-related activities:

February 1996—World Cup Forfeits in Sri Lanka

Both Australia and the West Indies declined to play their respective matches in Colombo during the 1996 Cricket World Cup after a fatal bombing at the Central Bank, claiming the lives of 91 people and wounding more than 1,400. With guarantees of excellent security by the Sri Lankan board and the ICC, both sides lost their matches by default. Both Sri Lanka and Australia were then awarded full points, and Sri Lanka ultimately achieved their first World Cup victory.

May 2002—New Zealand's Karachi Exit

New Zealand cancelled their tour of Pakistan mid-tour following a huge explosion outside their Karachi hotel. The bomb, targeting French naval staff, exploded just before the second Test match. Although no cricketers were badly hurt, New Zealand physio Dayle Shackel received minor injuries. The tour was cancelled forthwith following emergency consultations.

February 2003—World Cup Walkovers

In the 2003 ODI World Cup, England did not play in Zimbabwe on grounds of safety and politics, and New Zealand did not play in Kenya for fear of terrorism. Both forfeitures had a major impact on the tournament—Zimbabwe progressed to the Super Sixes, and Kenya made its first-ever semi-final entry.

Also Read: Cricketers with military Background: Serving both nation and game

July 2006—Tri-Series Cancelled in Sri Lanka

A tri-series among India, South Africa, and Sri Lanka was abandoned after South Africa withdrew because of bomb explosions in Colombo that were connected with the LTTE. Even though there was no direct threat to the players, Cricket South Africa felt that it was too risky. As India remained behind, a planned game was rain-washed, and efforts to reorganize the series into a bilateral one ensued.

April 2008—Australia Cancels Pakistan Tour

Australia canceled their Pakistan tour as a result of mounting terrorist violence in Islamabad. Cricket Australia cited a failure to secure player safety. Even after talks with the PCB and ICC, the series was shelved rather than being hosted at a neutral location.

September 2008—Champions Trophy Postponed

The 2008 ICC Champions Trophy, to be held originally in Pakistan, was rescheduled after five countries, including England and Australia, declined to tour because of concerns over terrorism. Although Pakistan kept hosting rights initially, the event was later moved and conducted in South Africa.

November 2008—Mumbai Attacks and Champions League T20

The first Champions League T20 was abandoned after the horrific terrorist attacks in Mumbai on November 26. Games were to be conducted at grounds such as the Brabourne Stadium, and the players were going to reside at the Taj Mahal Hotel, which was one of the sites under attack. The tournament was postponed to 2009.

November 2008 - England's 2008 India Tour

The Mumbai terror attacks of November 26, 2008, put England's India tour on hold, scrapping the last two ODIs following a Cuttack match. The Test series resumed with venues moved to Chennai and Mohali under tight security. India won 1-0, with the Chennai Test beginning December 11.

March 2009—Sri Lankan Team Attacked in Lahore

On March 3, 2009, the Sri Lankan team bus was ambushed by terrorists while traveling to Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. The ambush killed six security officials and two civilians, injuring some players in the process. The attack caused the Test match to be canceled and marked the isolation of Pakistan from international cricket for years.

Also Read: Will number one team on points table crowned as IPL 2025 winner?

March 2019—Christchurch Mosque Shooting

Bangladesh's cricket team escaped a fatal shooting at Masjid Al Noor in Christchurch, New Zealand, by a narrow margin. The third test was cancelled forthwith after the players, who had come for Friday prayers, ran away from the area. The ICC was in full agreement with the decision, and the team came back safely.

May 2025—IPL Suspended Amid Tensions

In May 2025, the BCCI postponed the Indian Premier League (IPL) for a week due to terrorist attacks in Pahalgam and increased border tensions. The incident led to the abandonment of a match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala. Relocation overseas and additional scheduling are being considered with safety as the priority.

These events remind us that cricket, even as a source of unity, is not immune to the forces of international strife. Each cancellation or abandonment bears the burden of lives lost and nations rattled—but also the abiding strength of the sport.

The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) experienced a strange and unforeseen interruption in the middle of the tournament, as nothing like this has ever happened in the league's too-short history. Halfway through the tournament, with most teams gaining steam, fans and franchises alike were stunned when the IPL was abruptly paused during what would have been an exciting finale to the dual-identified cricketing festival. The immediate next step was an obvious question: what happens to the franchise that is topping the points table?

When the league was suspended, from a standings perspective, there was one team at the top of the standings due to strong, consistent performances, winning tickets away from home (notably winning all of their away matches), and achieving a competitive net run rate. The team had performed on par to be the favorites to win the tournament based on form, as well as net run rate. Interestingly, unlike most sports leagues that state that an entity at the top of the standings will be declared champions if the league is not completed, the IPL has a playoff format, which would have been difficult (obviously) because of the impossibility of the IPL 2025 playoffs.

In the past, the IPL has provided winners through a four-step playoff, where the top 4 teams are determined through records at the end of the league. This structure enumerately states the final winner has been successful throughout the tournament, but has also thrived in identifying pressure in all critical knockout competitions. In light of the 2025 IPL playoffs not happening, should the league organization look at crowning the table toppers as Champions?

Implications of a Suspended Season

Whether or not a winner is declared in a suspended season is fraught with implications for the team legacies, financial bonuses, and the emotions of the fans. Naming the first place team as the winner might feel correct because, after all, they finished first in the process, but it departs from the IPL history of crowning the playoff winner as champion. This could set a controversial precedent for the future.

Also Read: Remaining IPL 2025 to host outside India amid India-Pakistan tension?

If a decision is made not to crown any winner of the suspended season, then questions will be asked about the fate of the team that, in the fifth year of IPL, found themselves as the first-place team on that suspended season’s points table. Will they be regarded as the rightful winner? Will they be aware that their team tried very hard to stay at the top of the table? The impact is similar for the leading team's sponsors, player bonuses based on full-season outcomes, and the morale of an entire team. The BCCI is tasked with this hard decision based on what appears to be fairness and endless integrity as it pertains to the format of the tournament.

In conclusion, the IPL 2025 number one team on the points table has a compelling case for the BCCI's consideration of them to be named champions if the system were to be adopted as the rationale for reason; i.e., there were five years of IPL under this system and with no playoffs to follow. Fair, or not? Nevertheless, suspending the season matters, whether there is a name or not, or just disappointing the fans and accusing the BCCI of lost integrity.

In a major surprise, the IPL 2025 is being suspended indefinitely due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The apparent crisis began with a military operation called "Operation Sindoor" that Indian forces began in the early hours of Wednesday, May 7. In response, Pakistan allegedly activated a counteroperation along the international border as well as the Line of Control (LoC), and reports suggest that various urban areas near the border of India have now been attacked. 

At the same time, in the middle of this tense environment, the IPL cricket fixture between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, being played in Dharamsala, was called off in the middle of play. Originally it was said there was an issue with the floodlights. However, soon afterwards officials began asking people in the Dumrauni Stadium to leave as they were going to call the game. It was later confirmed by authorities that the match was cancelled on safety grounds because the environment was too tense. The urgent situation has caused an emergency meeting by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to determine the future of the tournament. 

Security Concerns Take Center Stage

The safety and security of players, support personnel, match officials, and all others associated with the tournament have become the number one priority for the BCCI. Rajeev Shukla, the vice president of the BCCI, dealt with the media yesterday regarding an evacuation plan and stated the following:
"We are getting a special train that leaves from Una, which is just the other side of Dharamsala, to evacuate everyone. The stadium has been evacuated 100%, and the match is cancelled," said Shukla in a quote carried by The Times of India. 

Also Read: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Cheerleader in shock after PBKS vs DC match been called off

He also said that there would be no decision on what happens with the rest of IPL 2025 until there is a full understanding of the current situation. The BCCI is closely monitoring developments and is expected to issue a formal statement soon.

Things are changing rapidly, but it looks more and more unlikely that the IPL will continue. The current cross-border situation is not only a safety concern, but it has also emotionally impacted the players and management. A final decision about the tournament will be made by Friday, May 9th, following how the world events unfold in the next 24 hours.

On May 8, the IPL 2025 match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was abruptly interrupted after just 10.1 overs had been bowled, with PBKS having made 122 runs in their first innings. The match was called off with fans, players, and officials looking stunned at the abruptness of the decision, and a cheerleader's disbelief was recorded in a viral social media clip. Just as play was shaping up for a promising finish, the call to end the match may have been premature.

The match was stopped owing to heightened security concerns due to regional geopolitics. It had closed down the nearby airports - in Dharamsala, Amritsar, and Chandigarh - that would have otherwise provided access to traveling IPL teams, including the Mumbai Indians, who were due to arrive for a later match. The BCCI, acting on the safety protocols, had evacuated the ground and arranged for special trains from Una to remove players, staff, and broadcast teams out of Dharamsala. The BCCI would announce the following day if it was able to resume the IPL and made it clear that players' safety was a line item and there was no room for compromise. The crowd's frustration had been eased with PBKS's strong start of 122 in 10.1 overs.

Fans’ Resilience and Enhanced Security Measures Amid Uncertainty

Supporters showed an indomitable spirit when the military personnel evacuated the stadium due to a missile attack warning near Dharamsala and Pathankot. The fans, who were not alarmed, left the venue in an uproarious moment, chanting their patriotic slogans of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" as it resonated loudly around the neighboring hills. This spirit of fearless and resilient pride in the nation encompassed them in solidarity. The courage of the fans informed how they energetically left and chanted "Jai Hind" and "Vande Mataram," turning the moment of unpleasantness into moments of floral national pride.

Watch the videos here

This is what happened at Dharamshala 👇 #IndiaPakistanWar pic.twitter.com/XVYG2pKGss

— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) May 8, 2025

As authorities evacuate the stadium after a missile attack near Dharamshala & Pathankot, fans leave with heads held high. 🇮🇳No fear. Just pride. Bharat Mata Ki Jai echoes through the hills. 🙏

Jai Hind, Vande Mataram! pic.twitter.com/31UDWtJXxX

— Cricket Addictor (@AddictorCricket) May 8, 2025

Also Read: Is Virat Kohli going to lead the team in the India vs. England Test series?

After the IPL commenced, it was clear the BCCI had already implemented rigorous security measures after the Pahalgam terrorist attack earlier this season. The Vajra Super Shot - an anti-drone system able to detect and neutralize threats within a four-kilometer range—was acquired to secure the stadiums. Despite the IPL's implementation of enhanced security measures, the cancellation in Dharamsala illustrates major challenges in planning, organizing, and hosting a tournament with uncertainties existing outside of such an event. We have already witnessed doubt towards the BCCI and their planning for contingencies if situations such as this occurred.