Foreign Players Head Home With No Intention To Stay As IPL 2025 Hints One Week Resumption

Cric News India IPL News 2025

May 9, 2025 0 30

Foreign Players Head Home Amid IPL Jeopardy

Following a mid-match disruption due to security threats, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for one week. Both Indian and overseas players are now returning home, with logistical assistance from the board.

The 2025 edition of the IPL has been halted temporarily after Thursday’s match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala was called off mid-game over security concerns. According to The Times of India, this incident triggered widespread panic, particularly among overseas players.

On Friday, the BCCI officially announced a one-week suspension of the league and began coordinating travel arrangements for players and support staff. An IPL official told the newspaper, “They will be heading back home, we will help with all the logistics but every foreign player and member of the support staff will be headed back to their respective country. Depending on what is decided in the future, a call will be taken on them returning for the league. But as of now, they will be headed back home.”

A team official also confirmed, “All players will be headed back home, including the overseas players.”

While teams like Mumbai Indians plan to return to Mumbai before dispersing, others such as Royal Challengers Bengaluru — currently in Lucknow — will travel home directly from their present locations.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, in an official press release on Friday, stated, “The BCCI has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing IPL with immediate effect for one week. Further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders.”

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He further added, “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.”

In the meantime, the BCCI is exploring alternate plans, including changes in the league’s schedule and venue arrangements once it resumes. A special train has also been arranged to assist in evacuating players from Dharamsala.

More information is expected in the coming days as the BCCI continues consultations with security agencies and government authorities.