The Indian Premier League has confirmed that every one its matches shall be suspended with immediate affect for one week as a result of escalating tensions within the region.
The IPL‘s announcement follows confirmation from the Pakistan Cricket Board that the Pakistan Super League season shall be concluded within the United Arab Emirates.
Tensions have escalated sharply following Indian missile strikes that killed not less than 26 people in disputed Kashmir last weekend, which Pakistan has vowed to avenge.
In a press release, the IPL confirmed that updates regarding a brand new schedule and venues shall be announced in the end following consultations with stakeholders and franchisees.
It added: “While the BCCI [Board of Control for Cricket in India] reposes full faith within the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the Board considered it prudent to act within the collective interest of all stakeholders. At this critical juncture, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation.”
English Players
Ten English players are currently playing within the IPL, with seven more in Pakistan. All of the latter are involved in a WhatsApp group, which has been used to debate the continued situation and share information.
The Skilled Cricketers’ Association has been offering logistical assistance and support, keeping players informed with up to this point security details and government advice. The England and Wales Cricket Board has also been monitoring official channels.
The technique of facilitating the departures of overseas players from India has already begun, and the PA news agency understands that quite a lot of English players have already left.
Tom Moffat, the chief executive of the World Cricketers’ Association, told the PA news agency: “It has been concerning to see the situation unfold in India and Pakistan and we hope that the situation de-escalates as soon as possible.
“Cricket is secondary to the health and safety of the people in each countries, including the players competing within the IPL and PSL.
“WCA and our member associations have been in regular contact with impacted players and assisting with advice to assist with their individual decisions, supported by our expert security consultants.”
”We’re pleased each events have acted on concerns raised.”
PCB Decision
The PCB said it had made its decision to try and conclude its competition within the UAE as a consequence of India allegedly targeting the match between Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United in Rawalpindi on Wednesday evening with a surveillance drone.
It follows the postponement of a match on Thursday between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi that involved three English players – James Vince, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Luke Wood.
Confirming the switch to Dubai, PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi added: “The PCB has at all times stood by the position that politics and sports should be kept apart.
“Nonetheless, in view of the extremely irresponsible and dangerous Indian act of targeting the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which was manifestly done to disrupt the continued HBL Pakistan Super League X, the PCB has decided to shift the remaining matches to UAE in order that the domestic in addition to foreign cricketers, who’re our precious guests, could be saved from the possible reckless targeting by India.”
