As the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been suspended following a sharp escalation In military tension with neighbouring country Pakistan, Sri Lanka emerges frontrunner as Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) is likely to opt for an overseas option for remaining of the tournament.
The call to suspend the tournament was made during a meeting between senior BCCI officials, including Saikia and IPL chairman Arun Dhumal. All franchises were informed prior to the public announcement. Teams have already begun to disband, with players and support staff understood to be booking the next available flights out of or within India and new venues and schedule to be announced in due course.
The decision came a day after the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abandoned midway in Dharamsala due to air raid alerts in nearby regions of Jammu and Pathankot.
Cricket Age understands that as BCCI are bound to look for overseas route, Sri Lanka will be top contender, as Pakistan has already shifted PSL to UAE. South Africa is another option, however, due to hot climate and muslim dominant population, the rainbow country won’t be in BCCI’s priority! In this scenario, Sri Lanka emerges as most likely option, considering BCCI and SLC’s strong rapport.
Earlier, the May 8 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was suspended midway due to air raid alerts in nearby Jammu and Pathankot. Spectators were evacuated amid fears of a possible strike, raising serious concerns about the tournament’s viability.
Although IPL chairman Arun Dhumal initially indicated that the May 9 match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru would proceed as planned, the deteriorating security situation led to a reversal.
