The Control Board for Cricket in India has suspended the Indian Premier League, with 16 sports remaining, due to increasing conflict between India and Pakistan, and England has emerged as a potential host for the final stages of the tournament. If security concerns are resolved, BCCI would prioritize hosting the remaining matches in India, but is open to discuss the host of England and Wales Cricket Board.ECB CEO Richard Gold confirmed that England would be ready to step into need. “We will help our counterparts in BCCI, where we can,” they were told by the English Media Outlet Mail online.Go beyond the border with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!The initial postponement is for a week, after consultation with 10 franchisees, who expressed concern about the player safety, broadcast ideas and fan emotions.Former England captain Michael Vaughan suggested the completion of the IPL in the UK before India starts on June 20 from India’s Test series against England.
“I wonder if it is possible to finish the IPL in the UK,” Won has written on X. “We have all the places and Indian players can then stay for the test series … just an idea?”The time of the remaining matches presents an important challenge. Expedited agreements between BCCI, ECB and English places will require quick agreements to host the tournament before India’s Test tour, complicated by the ongoing domestic cricket schedule.Another possibility is to revive the IPL Games for September during the Asia Cup window, which is unlikely to move forward.England’s schedule includes the South Africa White-Ball series from 2 to 14 September, suggesting that the IPL may be resumed in England, the grounds are not required for the County Championship.A potential conflict with England’s three-match T20 tour of Ireland from 17–21 September is considered less problematic.BCCI’s Honorary Secretary Devjit Saik confirmed the decision to suspend the league, after consulting with the franchise, who “expressed the concerns and feelings of his players, and also the views of the broadcasters, sponsors and fans”.The BCCI released a strong statement of national solidarity: “At this critical point, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation. We express their solidarity with the Government of India, Armed Forces and the people of our country. The board salutes the bravery, courage and selfless service of our armed forces, which is responsible for the operation, which is responsible for the country.”
The statement continued: “While cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing more than the nation of our country and its sovereignty, integrity and security. BCCI is firmly committed to supporting all efforts that protect India and will always align its decisions in the best interest of the nation.”
