IPL 2025: SACA, CA voice safety concerns for players

INDIA: International cricket bodies have expressed deep concern over the safety of their players participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, following the suspension of the tournament due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) and Cricket Australia (CA) were among the first to issue official statements addressing the situation. “The health and safety of players is not negotiable. We are in direct contact with all the South African players at the IPL and keeping them updated with security reports. We have offered them any support they need,” Andrew Breetzke, the chief executive of the South African Cricketers’ Association, said.

In light of growing regional tensions, Cricket Australia addressed the situation by releasing a statement on Friday. “We continue to closely monitor the situation in Pakistan and India, including obtaining regular advice and updates from the Australian Government, the PCB, BCCI and local government authorities, and maintaining communication with our players and support staff currently in the region,” CA said in a statement on Friday.

Adding to the chorus of concern, Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed it had reached out to both the BCCI and PCB to assess the situation and safeguard the well-being of its players. Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday, confirmed suspending the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for a week due to rising tensions between Pakistan and India.

The ongoing edition of the lucrative league was facing an uncertain future after its 58th match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala was called off midway due to the aforementioned reason.

“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing TATA IPL 2025 with immediate effect for one week,” the cricket board said. “The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans.”

The suspension of the IPL 2025 was prompted after Thursday’s match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dharamsala was called off midway through the first innings due to security concerns.

Earlier, the UAE refused to host the remaining IPL 2025 matches in Dubai due to a prior commitment with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Sources confirmed that India reportedly reached out to the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) with a request to host the remaining IPL 2025 fixtures in the UAE.

Now, the Indian board is reportedly exploring the September window to host the remaining IPL matches after the tournament was officially suspended due to unforeseen circumstances. However, Indian media have noted that this could potentially clash with the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, raising logistical concerns for both tournaments.

Similarly, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced suspending the remaining eight matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, citing the directives from Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

According to the cricket board, PM Shehbaz advised the postponement of the marquee league, keeping in view the ‘reckless aggression of India’ in the region. “The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announces the postponement of the remaining eight matches of the HBL PSL X,” the PCB said in a statement.