NEW DELHI: In response to heightened cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, sporting events were suspended across India on Friday.Following Pakistan’s coordinated drone and missile attacks along India’s western border on Thursday night, India’s air defence systems, including the S-400, successfully intercepted the threats, minimising damage.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!These strikes were reportedly in response to India’s “Operation Sindoor”, which targeted terrorist facilities in Pakistan after a terrorist incident in Pahalgam claimed 26 tourist lives on April 22.The BCCI suspended IPL 2025 for one week on Friday afternoon due to the escalating situation.“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing IPL 2025 with immediate effect for one week. Further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated.
“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; while the BCCI reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the Board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders,” he added.The inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025, scheduled for May 24 at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium, was also postponed.“In light of the current situation, the inaugural edition of the NC Classic stands postponed until further notice. This decision has been made after careful thought and consultation, with the well-being of athletes, stakeholders, and the broader community as the top priority,” stated NC Classic via Instagram.“We believe in the unifying power of sport. But, in this critical moment, standing firm with the nation matters most. All our gratitude and thoughts at this point are only with our Armed Forces, who are at the forefront for our nation. A revised schedule for the NC Classic will be provided in due course. Jai Hind,\” the statement concluded.
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The Cricket Association of Bengal also announced the postponement of their Bengal Pro T20 League Season 2.“Considering the prevailing national circumstances, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has decided to postpone the start of Bengal Pro T20 League Season 2 and thus all pre-events related with it, until further notice. A revised schedule, including updated venues and fixtures, will be shared after a detailed review of the situation in coordination with relevant authorities and stakeholders and any advisory as issued by the BCCI,” CAB announced.
