Due to escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan border, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suspended the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for a week.  The league serves as a huge cricket carnival that generates revenue for the board.  However, it has encountered a roadblock.

This began after a Delhi Capitals vs. Punjab Kings match in Dharamsala was halted because of a security alert in Jammu. The BCCI claims that national safety is the priority, but even a one-week break could incur significant costs for them.  Let’s explore what this means in straightforward terms.

Related: Ranking Biggest IPL Stadiums In 2025 by Capacity, and more

Each IPL match contributes to revenue through television contracts, ticket sales, sponsorships, and food stalls.  Reports suggest that each match that is cancelled can cost the BCCI approximately ₹100-125 crore.  They can still incur losses of around ₹60 crore per game, even with insurance assistance.  During this one-week break, if 5-7 matches are missed, the BCCI could incur a loss of ₹300-420 crore.  Should the break be prolonged or the entire season scrapped, the losses may increase further.

Major sponsors such as TATA and broadcasters like JioHotstar are currently fine with the break, but they may become concerned if it continues for an extended period.  The broadcasters might see a reduction in their advertising revenue, which could amount to as much as ₹5,500 crore.

All ten teams of the IPL will also experience the hurt. They receive a portion of the BCCI’s television and sponsorship revenue, referred to as the central revenue pool.  Should the IPL come to a halt, this money will dwindle. Clubs with large fan bases, such as Royal Challengers Bengaluru, are missing ticket and merchandise sales due to the absence of two significant home games in Bengaluru.

Prior to the suspension, there had been 58 matches in IPL 2025.  Including the playoffs and the final, which was originally set for May 25, there are still 16 matches remaining.  The BCCI is currently determining the timing and location for these games, which are now on hold.  Should the situation not get better in the near future, the matches could be rescheduled for August-September.

The BCCI is monitoring the border situation and acquisitions carefully and will soon make a decision regarding the IPL’s restart.  If the situation settles, the tournament might return in about a week.  A number of international players have temporarily returned home but stand ready to come back if the BCCI offers the go-ahead.

Should the IPL 2025 be entirely cancelled, it will result in a significant financial loss for the BCCI.  Broadcasters might lose a third of their advertising revenue, and teams reliant on the central pool would face difficulties as well.