How the India-Pakistan geopolitical tension is impacting the IPL, PSL, and the broader cricketing market
Published - 23 May 2025, 10:07 PM | Updated - 23 May 2025, 11:41 PM
The conflict between India and Pakistan has been going on for decades, with the dispute over Kashmir leading to attacks from both sides. Now, the last clash in May might have gone beyond the political route, and now it has gotten to the world of cricket.
You see, on May 8, the IPL 2025 was suddenly brought to a halt mid-match after drone attacks led to a power blackout. Actually, the match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings in Dharamshala had to be cancelled, and the tournament suspended for more than a week.
What’s happening with the IPL and the PSL?
As the conflict escalated, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement stating that even though they had faith in the ability and preparedness of the Indian armed forces, it was wise to act in the collective interest of everyone. The competition was set to resume on May 17 with the venues being reduced from nine to six. Matches that were supposed to be played in Hyderabad, Punjab and Chennai were moved to other locations. The final was also shifted to June 3.
In a similar manner, the PSL also suffers the same fate. The ongoing PSL tournament was suspended on the same date as the IPL tournament. Initially, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had decided to move the eight remaining matches to the UAE, but the decision was changed a day later. Actually, the PCB had decided to suspend the tournament indefinitely. However, the tournament then rescheduled to resume on May 17 after a ceasefire was announced between the two countries.
However, the conflict led to different international cricket boards, who have players competing in the PSL, to seek assistance for their players who were concerned for their safety to leave the region. For example, Sky Sports stated that there was uncertainty whether the English players in the PSL might continue playing in the tournament.
Impact on the wider cricket market
The conflict is proving to be fatal to the cricketing world with reports citing that the BCCI is planning to pull out of the Asia Cup 2025 scheduled to be hosted in India. You see, India and Pakistan have been avoiding bilateral series for a number of years following their strained diplomatic issues.
Now, the fact that India might not be facing Pakistan on the cricket field any time soon is affecting the multi-national tournaments. If the issue between the two countries is not solved soon, then the Asia Cup 2025 might either be postponed, restructured or even cancelled.
What markets are also affected?
But wait! The fact that the cricketing world is being affected means that another subsidiary of the sporting world is being affected. And that is the gambling and sports betting world. You see, with tournaments being delayed, restructured and cancelled, it is a big blow to the gambling world.
Now, as reported by Erik King, a veteran analyst in the iGaming world, the conflict is taking the gambling world on a losing spree. Many bets are being voided, meaning that the revenue that was to be accumulated is cut out. You see, during major events like the IPL, reports claim that at least 340 million Indians participate in betting. Now that tournaments are being shifted and cancelled, all this revenue might not be attained.
Erik King stated that many operators and punters are at a loss following the fact that Asia Cup 2025 has a high chance of not happening. You see, reports reveal that most of the sports betting revenues in that region stem from cricket. So, if the Asia Cup 2025 does not happen, based on the withdrawal by India, then the sport betting market might be crippled. Mark you, this tournament is usually among the biggest cricket tournaments in the world, being the only continental tournament globally.
But why is India Withdrawing?
Now, it's interesting that the reason behind the decision by the BCCI to boycott the prestigious Asia Cup is that the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is currently headed by a Pakistani. This governing body for cricket in Asia is currently headed by Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the PCB chairman and a Pakistani minister. What the BCCI believes is that participating in an event led by a Pakistani official does not work well with the national sentiments.
But now, if the country withdraws, then a huge loss will come towards the event. The draw between Pakistan and India is consistently the biggest draw in any tournament, bringing in viewers from everywhere. Now, without this high-profile contest, the financial value of the tournament might spiral downwards. Additionally, many sponsors for the Asia Cup come from India, and since India might not be participating in the event, that means huge losses.
In conclusion
The conflict between India and Pakistan is spelling disaster for the cricketing world. And if the situation continues like this, then we might be seeing lots of challenges, not only for the two countries, but for the lovers of cricket globally.
