Virat Kohli has become one of the first major cricketers to speak out following the suspension of IPL 2025 due to rising military tensions between India and Pakistan. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kohli praised the Indian Armed Forces and urged the public to stand united in these difficult times.
“We stand in solidarity with, and salute our armed forces for fiercely protecting our country in these difficult times,” Kohli wrote. “We are forever indebted to our heroes for their bravery and sacrifices.”
IPL 2025 Suspended Amid India-Pakistan Conflict
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially suspended the tournament on Friday, citing safety concerns after Pakistan launched attacks on Jammu, Pathankot, and other regions near the border. These attacks included missile strikes and drone threats, which were successfully neutralised by Indian defence systems.
The PBKS vs DC match in Dharamsala was called off mid-way on Thursday after air raid sirens were heard in neighbouring areas. Players were evacuated from the stadium as a safety measure, underlining the seriousness of the situation.
Kohli Joins Rohit Sharma in Supporting the Forces
Earlier, Rohit Sharma, India’s ODI captain, had also expressed his support for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. He encouraged people not to fall for fake news and to stay united in supporting the country.
Kohli’s message has been widely shared on social media, reflecting the mood across India as citizens rally behind the armed forces and express concern over national security.
What Happens to IPL 2025 Now?
With 58 matches completed, IPL 2025 still had 16 matches left, including the playoffs and final. The match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, scheduled for May 9, was cancelled following the BCCI’s announcement.
Possible Rescheduling:
- BCCI is exploring the August-September window (around Asia Cup dates) to resume the remaining matches, if the situation improves.
- Matches may be shifted to a neutral venue, potentially overseas, depending on diplomatic and security developments.
Final Thoughts
While the IPL 2025 suspension has deeply affected players, fans, and franchises, safety remains the top priority. Messages from icons like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have brought the cricket community together in showing solidarity with the nation.
The BCCI continues to coordinate with the Indian government and security agencies to assess the next steps.
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