Sourav Ganguly Backs IPL Suspension, Slams Pakistan
In light of the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a decisive step to postpone the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The BCCI stated that the decision was made prioritising the safety of players amidst looming threats of conflict between the two neighbouring nations.
Citing the increasingly volatile environment, the BCCI conveyed that conducting cricket matches under such conditions would be inappropriate. With participation from not just Indian players but also several international cricketers, the board emphasized that there could be no compromise on the issue of safety. The tournament, currently at a critical juncture, had important matches scheduled in cities such as Dharamshala, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Jaipur, BCCI sources revealed.
Responding to these developments, former Indian captain and former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly said, “Considering the present situation in the country, the decision taken by the BCCI is appropriate. Player safety is paramount. We have already seen what happened during the last match. However, the situation will stabilise soon. The IPL 2025 season will definitely resume. Pakistan does not have the stamina to withstand pressure for long.”
Meanwhile, Sanjay Sharma, a member of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA), commented, “We are fully aware of the tense situation between India and Pakistan. Due to security reasons, the match scheduled between Punjab and Delhi had to be cancelled midway. We are maintaining continuous coordination with the Himachal Pradesh government and the Punjab Kings franchise. We are also in regular consultation with BCCI officials.”