Indian Premier League 'suspended indefinitely' as Pakistan conflict escalates

The world's biggest cricket tournament, the , is set to be suspended indefinitely amid India's conflict with Pakistan. India's cricket board, the , are yet to confirm the decision but sources told that the tournament has been postponed, with the potential for it to be cancelled.

The report adds that Australians who play in the IPL, such as Test captain and legendary bowler , will return home. There are 10 players - past and present - in this year's competition, namely , , Jacob Bethell, , , Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, , Phil Salt and Reece Topley.

It's been suggested that rest of this year's IPL could be played in South Africa. The Pakistan Super League has already been moved to Dubai for the remaining eight matches of its season.

The IPL clash between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was postponed on Thursday after just 10 overs of play. Images showed fans being evacuated from the Himachal Pradesh Stadium in Dharamshala, northern India.

The BCCI explained in a statement that the match was called off because of a 'significant technical failure'. "Due to a power outage in the area, one of the light towers at the HPCA stadium malfunctioned. BCCI regrets the inconvenience caused to the in-stadium attendees," the statement said.

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The BCCI's Vice-President, Rajeev Shukla added: "We're organising a train to bring everyone back safely. The match has been called off, and the stadium evacuated. We will decide on the tournament's future based on tomorrow's situation, but player safety is our top priority."

The 2025 IPL play-off final is due to take place on Sunday, May 25.

Indian legend , who recently announced his retirement from Test cricket, voiced his support for the country's military action in a social media post. "With every passing moment, with every decision taken I feel extremely proud of our Indian Army, Indian Airforce & Indian Navy," Sharma wrote.

"Our warriors are standing tall for our nation’s pride. It's important for every Indian to be responsible and refrain from spreading or believing any fake news. Stay safe, everyone! #OperationSindoor #JaiHind."

Roughly 50 people have died in the conflict, including one on a ground in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. There've been reports that commercial flights have been suspended at 24 airports in the north of India.

Both countries have blamed each other for escalating tensions. India says its initial missile strikes were a response to a deadly militant attack on Indian tourists in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir last month.

India has said that it has clear evidence linking Pakistan-based terrorists and external actors to the attack. Islamabad denies this claim.

Pakistan's defence minister, Khawaja Asif, has rejected suggestions that his country is responsible for any attack in Kashmir, telling the : "We deny it, we have not mounted anything so far."