By Zainab Shafiq 
As regional tensions rise in the wake of Indian missile attacks on Pakistani soil, both cricket boards are keeping their cool so far. The India-Pakistan conflict has a two-way impact on IPL, with logistical hassles and increasing anxiety regarding security. While the Pakistan Super League (PSL) ruled out its cancellation in the face of increasing violence, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is albeit under increasing pressure.
The BCCI has not issued a statement yet, but the fate of two scheduled IPL matches in Dharamshala, the Punjab Kings’ secondary home ground, hangs in balance. With airspace disruptions in northern India, and the shutdown of major airports, including Dharamshala’s closest hub in Chandigarh, the India-Pakistan conflict affects IPL scheduling, movement, and travel. Punjab Kings are to play Delhi Capitals on May 8 and Mumbai Indians on May 11, but both matches now remain in the balance as authorities try to work out the evolving situation.
India-Pakistan Conflict Impacts IPL, Airspace Closures and Security Risks Cast Doubt on Travel Plans
The ripple effect of Operation Sindoor, India’s reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack, baselessly blamed on Pakistan, has been rapid. Various northern and western airports have been temporarily shut down, with at least 18 airports such as Srinagar, Jammu, and Amritsar being impacted. Mumbai Indians’ journey to Dharamshala has already been suspended, leaving questions regarding player safety, crowd control, and match viability.
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal indicated the league continues to be “in line with government advisories,” and up until Wednesday morning, no official instructions had been received to suspend or change matches. Nonetheless, he did affirm the IPL’s operations team was laying out contingency plans in case the situation worsens. Punjab Kings, who are already based in Dharamshala, are on standby having just recently won their previous match against LSG.
Across the border, PSL faces similar scrutiny, with foreign players, especially from England and Bangladesh, reassessing their participation amid geopolitical unease. The India-Pakistan conflict impacts IPL not just logistically but psychologically, as cricket finds itself once again navigating diplomacy through sport.
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PSL 2025 to Continue as Scheduled Despite Cross-Border Threats