Geopolitical Tensions Disrupt IPL 2025: Sehwag Slams Pakistan’s ‘Terrorist Assets’ Move
In a dramatic turn of events, geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan have cast a dark shadow over the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, forcing the abandonment of a high-profile clash between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Thursday evening. The match was halted midway amid escalating cross-border unrest, prompting an immediate evacuation of players, support staff, and spectators.
As the situation unfolded, former Indian batting legend Virender Sehwag, known for his fiery commentary both on and off the field, took to social media to express his outrage. In a scathing post, he wrote: ‘War has been chosen by Pakistan when they had an opportunity to keep quiet. They have escalated to save their terrorist assets, which speaks volumes about their priorities. Our forces will reply in the most fitting manner—a response Pakistan will never forget.’ Sehwag’s remarks have since gone viral, igniting debates across cricket and political circles.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reacted swiftly to the crisis, prioritizing the safety of all involved. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla confirmed that emergency measures were put in place to evacuate players and officials from the region. Reports indicate that players from both franchises have been safely escorted back to their hotels, with a special train arranged to transport them out of Dharamsala. This evacuation was necessitated after the closure of nearby airports, adding to the logistical nightmares faced by the teams who had arrived in the hill station earlier in the day.
Sources close to the franchises revealed that security concerns had been simmering even before the match began. Unease among players and staff was palpable, with whispers of potential disruptions circulating in the hours leading up to the game. The sudden escalation at the border turned those fears into reality, leaving the IPL in a state of temporary chaos. The HPCA Stadium, usually a serene venue nestled in the Himalayan foothills, became a scene of urgency as thousands of fans were guided out with remarkable efficiency by local authorities.
This incident marks a rare and unsettling intersection of cricket and geopolitics, with the IPL—a tournament celebrated for uniting fans worldwide—now caught in the crossfire of international conflict. The BCCI faces an uphill battle in reassessing the tournament schedule. With the safety of players paramount, there is speculation that upcoming fixtures may be relocated to more secure venues, potentially in southern or central India, away from border-sensitive regions. At the time of reporting, the status of the league remains uncertain, with decisions expected within the next 24-48 hours.
Adding context to the crisis, tensions between India and Pakistan have historically impacted cricketing ties. Bilateral series between the two nations have been suspended since 2012, and encounters are now limited to multi-nation tournaments like the ICC Cricket World Cup or the Asia Cup. The last time an IPL match was disrupted due to geopolitical issues was over a decade ago, making this an unprecedented challenge for the league, which boasts a global viewership of over 400 million and is valued at over $10 billion.
As the cricketing world waits with bated breath, the IPL’s ability to navigate this crisis will be a testament to its resilience. For now, fans and players alike are left grappling with uncertainty, while Sehwag’s words continue to echo, highlighting the deeper complexities at play. Will cricket emerge as a unifying force once again, or will it remain a casualty of political strife? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Thursday’s events in Dharamsala will be etched in the annals of cricket history as a day when the game took a backseat to the harsh realities of the world beyond the boundary.