The Board of Control for Cricket in India has suspended the Indian Premier League, with 16 games remaining, due to escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, and England has emerged as a potential host for the final stages of the tournament. The BCCI will prioritise hosting the remaining matches in India if security concerns are resolved, but the England and Wales Cricket Board is open to discussions about hosting if approached.ECB chief executive Richard Gould confirmed England would be willing to step in if needed.“We will help our counterparts at the BCCI where we can,” he was quoted as saying by English media outlet Mail Online.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The initial postponement is for a week, following consultations with the 10 franchises who expressed concerns about player safety, broadcaster views, and fan sentiments.Former England captain Michael Vaughan suggested completing the IPL in the UK before India’s Test series against England begins on June 20.
“I wonder if it’s possible to finish the IPL in the UK,” Vaughan wrote on X. “We have all the venues and the Indian players can then stay on for the Test series… Just a thought?”The timing of the remaining matches presents a significant challenge. Hosting the tournament before India’s Test tour would require quick agreements between the BCCI, ECB, and English venues, complicated by ongoing domestic cricket schedules.Another possibility is rescheduling IPL games for September during the Asia Cup window, which is unlikely to proceed.England’s schedule includes South Africa white-ball series from September 2 to 14, suggesting the IPL could potentially resume in England afterward, utilising grounds not needed for the County Championship.A potential clash with England’s three-match T20 tour of Ireland from September 17-21 is considered less problematic.Devajit Saikia, the BCCI’s honorary secretary, confirmed the decision to suspended the league was made after consultation with franchises who “conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans.”The BCCI released a strong statement of national solidarity: “At this critical juncture, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation. We express our solidarity with the government of India, the armed forces and the people of our country. The Board salutes the bravery, courage, and selfless service of our armed forces, whose heroic efforts under Operation Sindoor continue to protect and inspire the nation, as they lead a resolute response to the recent terrorist attack and the unwarranted aggression by Pakistan’s armed forces.”
The statement continued: “While cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing greater than the nation and its sovereignty, integrity, and security of our country. The BCCI remains firmly committed to support all efforts that safeguard India and will always align its decisions in the best interest of the nation.”
