IPL 2025 suspension costs BCCI nearly INR 125 crore per game

It might appear puerile, even insensitive, to discuss financial ramifications in these challenging times when the country's armed forces are waging a splendid battle against enemy forces to keep our borders safe and our existence secure. But it is also a reality that can't be overlooked.

It isn't just the principal stakeholders – team owners and players, the host broadcasters, sponsors of various ilk – who will take a massive hit. Also affected are less acknowledged parts of the IPL ecosystem, among them vendors inside and outside the various stadia, those selling merchandise, cab and three-wheeler operators who are massively in demand on match-nights, even restaurants and watering holes where footfalls abound in the city where a game is staged.

For now, Season 18 of the IPL has been suspended for a week. At some point in the next seven days, the tournament's governing council will, in consultation and confabulation with numerous other deeply involved parties, decide the future course of action. Less than a fourth of the tournament – 16 matches, including the four playoff ties – has been kept in abeyance. The developments of the week to come will determine when, o

No one in their sane mind will question the wisdom of suspending the league, given what is unfolding at our borders with Pakistan. That being said, it is learnt that every cancelled match comes at a hefty cost, literally. The loss stemming from every non-match is estimated to be between ₹100 and ₹125 crore and even after insurance steps in, that loss translates to half that amount when broadcast, sponsorship and other match-related incomes are taken into consideration.