The Indian Premier League (IPL), the country’s biggest domestic cricket tournament, has been suspended for one week following the escalating military tensions with Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the decision in a statement, saying the tournament will be halted with immediate effect.

“Further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders,” the BCCI said.

The decision comes after a night of artillery exchanges between Indian and Pakistani soldiers across their frontier in Kashmir, amid a growing military standoff that erupted following an attack on tourists in the India-controlled portion of the disputed region.

The IPL is the most popular cricket tournament in the world and features top players from around the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, England, and Afghanistan. This year’s tournament has attracted hundreds of millions of TV viewers and featured 65 international cricketers.

The suspension of the IPL is a significant development, given its massive popularity and following in India and around the world. The BCCI’s decision to suspend the tournament reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need to prioritize the safety and security of the players, officials, and fans.