Pak-India tensions: IPL facing mind blowing multi-billion losses per game

The ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India have cast a shadow over the cricketing world, leading to the indefinite postponement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, while matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have also been suspended.

According to media reports, the cancellation of IPL matches is causing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) a financial loss of ₹125 crores (PKR 4.11 billion) per match. With four games already called off, the Indian board has suffered losses exceeding ₹500 crores (PKR 16.45 billion).

If the entire tournament is cancelled, the estimated loss could surpass ₹3,000 crores (PKR 98.7 billion).

The financial blow includes losses from TV broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals and ticket sales. Franchise owners are reportedly anxious about the mounting losses and sponsors are now considering pulling out of their agreements.

A recent IPL match was abruptly halted mid-game, and spectators were evacuated from the stadium due to security concerns. The incident created panic among players, raising alarm over the safety of continuing the tournament amid the prevailing tension.

The situation escalated following the Pahalgam incident in Indian illegally occupied Kashmir on April 22. After this, in the early hours of Wednesday (May 7), India launched airstrikes across several areas in Pakistan, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad. At least 30 civilians were reportedly martyred, with over 40 others injured.

In retaliation, the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets. This marked the first time in history that a Rafale jet was brought down in combat.

A day later, on Thursday, Pakistan also shot down more than 30 Indian drones in various regions of the country.

However, on Friday night, India launched unprovoked missile attacks on Pakistani airbases.

After this, the Pakistan army launched "Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos" on the time of Fajr on May 10 and hit several Indian military sites, security sources said.

According to state-run PTV News, the operation began at 4:38 am, and by 5:52 am, Pakistan had destroyed a BrahMos missile storage site in Beas, as well as an air base in Adampur and an airfield in Pathankot.

At 6:29 am, PTV reported that Pakistani drones were flying over New Delhi, and by 7:13 am, PAF's JF-17 Thunder jets had destroyed India's S-400 missile defence system in Adampur, worth approximately $1.5 billion.

Speaking to a private TV channel, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar said Pakistan had no choice but to respond after India attacked Nur Khan Air Base, calling the strikes a defensive move.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with COAS Asim Munir, urging both countries to de-escalate. Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz Sharif has called a meeting of the National Command Authority (NCA) for further security decisions.