Operation Sindoor: IPL Chairman Discusses India vs Pakistan…

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal revealed during the Business of Sports Summit 2025 that India will only confront Pakistan in ACC/ICC events abiding by government policy, amid controversy over India-Pakistan matches in the Asia Cup set to take place in Dubai on September 14. The Indian government has introduced specific guidelines on sporting meetings with Pakistan. Indian teams and sportspeople can participate in international events with Pakistani competitors but won’t take part in bilateral games or contests arranged in Pakistan.

Arun Dhumal commended Jay Shah’s leadership of BCCI and extended his best wishes to Team India. Arun Dhumal made clear that India won’t be playing Pakistan except for in ACC/ICC events, as per the Indian government’s directives. The IPL Chairman was a significant part of the evacuation during the IPL when political tensions rose between India and Pakistan after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in 26 consumers’ deaths. India then launched Operation Sindoor against terrorist structures across the Line of Control and within Pakistan.

During these escalating tensions, matches, including the one between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, were first halted then temporarily paused. An online video showcased Dhumal walking onto the field, requesting the crowd to leave the venue immediately after news of drone attacks near Chandigarh by Pakistan surfaced. Both teams were subsequently shifted to Delhi via a special train.

Afterward, Arun Dhumal said that his priority was making sure that spectators evacuated the area without panic. The local police and district administration helped prevent any chaos and Dhumal praised them for this. He also covered the Indian team’s sponsorship situation, stating that a new sponsor search had begun and an update is expected in the next 2-3 weeks. This comes after Dream11 withdrew its sponsorship. The BCCI plans on holding its Annual General Meeting on September 28, where key positions, including that of the president, will be decided.