IPL 2025 Suspended Amid Border Tensions, Safety Fears

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) was suspended due to escalating India-Pakistan border tensions, raising concerns about player safety and the tournament's future. Former Australian cricketer Mitchell Johnson urged overseas players not to feel pressured to return for the IPL’s resumption on May 17, criticizing the BCCI for allegedly prioritizing the tournament over safety. Johnson suggested moving or ending both the IPL and PSL if security could not be ensured, emphasizing that player welfare must take precedence. Cricket Australia has pledged to support its players' decisions regarding participation. The revised IPL schedule, with the final now set for June 3, complicates preparations for Australian and South African players ahead of the World Test Championship final on June 11 at Lord’s. Several key players, including Jake Fraser-McGurk and reportedly Mitchell Starc, have already withdrawn from the IPL due to these concerns.