Foreign players urge exit from IPL as the war tension between India and Pakistan escalates

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 progresses, mounting geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan have begun to cast a shadow over the tournament. Security concerns are intensifying, especially after the abrupt cancellation of the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cited floodlight failure as the official reason, many believe the growing regional unrest may have played a significant role in the decision.

They attacked through drone on our ground and we made them cancel their IPL match without even doing anything. Unreal fear. ?? pic.twitter.com/dLxUAHdHCv

¡ª Hassan (@HassnAbbasian_) May 8, 2025

IPL match between Punjab Kings Vs Mumbai Indians stopped in the middle

The subsequent relocation of the May 11 Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians clash from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad has further raised eyebrows. The shift suggests a more cautious approach by the organisers in response to the volatile situation.

crowd is in shock, die-hard fans refusing to evacuate - they just want to watch punjab vs delhi in peace. #PBKSvDC

pic.twitter.com/vi6uVV0Ivw

¡ª desi sigma (@desisigma) May 8, 2025

Reports from credible IPL sources now indicate that several overseas players have expressed serious concerns about their safety and are considering an early departure from the league. According to PTI, foreign recruits have made their apprehensions known and may be looking to return to their respective countries sooner than planned.

IPL Chairman addressed the concerns

IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal addressed the concerns, stating that the BCCI has not yet received any official communication from the Indian government regarding the tournament¡¯s status. However, he confirmed that the board is reviewing the situation closely. ¡°It is an evolving situation. We are monitoring it and any decision will be taken in the best interest of all stakeholders,¡± he told PTI.

IPL Chairman requesting fans to leave the Dharamshala Stadium. pic.twitter.com/NhX03h0Ys3

¡ª Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 8, 2025

Will the matches be rescheduled amid Indo-Pak war?

With uncertainty looming, the BCCI could be forced to make tough decisions ¡ª from rescheduling matches in safer zones in the south or east, to potentially shifting the remainder of the tournament to a neutral venue abroad, as seen in previous seasons.

Foreign players in PSL and IPL right now: pic.twitter.com/TYd3Yh5laR

¡ª Khan Saab (@Hanii_tales) May 8, 2025

This year¡¯s IPL has attracted a strong contingent of international cricketers, many of whom now find themselves at the centre of an unfolding political crisis.

The full list of foreign players participating in IPL 2025:

Australia: Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Inglis

England: Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Will Jacks, Reece Topley

South Africa: Heinrich Klaasen, Gerald Coetzee, Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke, Kwena Maphaka

New Zealand: Lockie Ferguson

Sri Lanka: Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana

Afghanistan: Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Azmatullah Omarzai

West Indies: Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford

Zimbabwe: Richard Ngarava

Bangladesh: Nahid Rana

Ireland: Mark Adair

As events unfold, the fate of IPL 2025 may hinge on how the BCCI navigates the delicate balance between sport and safety.