English cricket stars have begun flying home after the Indian Premier League was suspended for a week due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, reports say.
Ten English cricketers, including Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell and Phil Salt, were playing in the tournament.
According to the Daily Mail, some players were due to be en route to the UK as early as yesterday afternoon.
The decision to halt the season came with 12 games of the group stage still left to play.
England cricket players will fly home from India TODAY as war with Pakistan escalates
PA
The IPL Governing Council released a statement explaining their decision to suspend the tournament.
'The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchises, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans,' it read.
The statement added that updates regarding the new schedule and venues would be announced 'in due course' after consulting with relevant authorities.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India made the decision amid increased cross-border tensions with Pakistan.
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Jacob Bethell is one of the players flying back to England
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Originally, the IPL was scheduled for May 25, but the suspension will likely push it into June.
It remains uncertain whether all overseas players will return when the tournament resumes.
The English contingent's early departure comes as the cricket calendar faces disruption due to the geopolitical situation.
Despite the IPL suspension, an ECB spokesperson confirmed this morning they were still expecting India's five-Test tour to England to proceed as planned.
India's players are due to arrive in the second week of June ahead of the series starting at Headingley on June 20.
The players will have one warm-up fixture against India A at Beckenham before the series begins, though the exact dates are yet to be confirmed.
The continuation of India's tour comes despite significant disruption to cricket schedules in the region.
Thursday's match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was abandoned midway into the first innings.
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This followed a reported floodlight failure at the venue.
The Pakistan Super League has also been affected, with the tournament being shifted to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.
The suspension comes amid a backdrop of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, affecting cricket across the region.
The IPL's decision reflects growing concerns for player safety and logistical challenges during this period of uncertainty.
Cricket authorities are monitoring the situation closely as they attempt to balance sporting commitments with security considerations.
Despite these challenges, the ECB remains confident that diplomatic issues won't impact India's scheduled tour of England.
The cricket world now watches closely as both nations navigate this difficult period.
