The fight for 22 yards was nearly scorched out as clashes on the 3,323 Km India-Pakistan border began on May 7. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to suspend the ongoing TATA IPL 2025 with immediate effect, leaving brands and the digital streaming platform JioHotstar with an uncertain few days.

While the suspension has been brought in for one week, the India-Pakistan ceasefire announced on May 10 has rekindled the hopes of return to the pitch.

“Further updates regarding the new schedules 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,” BCCI said in a statement on May 10, a day before the ceasefire came into effect.

The BCCI halted the 58th match of the tournament, between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, on May 8 as explosive-laden drones from Pakistan swarmed the Indian skies. Following this, the IPL Governing Council took the decision after consultation with all key stakeholders, including the franchisees, to safeguard the players, officials and spectators, said the regulator.

JioStar, which holds the broadcast and streaming rights through JioHotstar asserted that it is firmly committed to prioritise national interest over all other considerations, while extending support to the government and armed forces. The company said it will work with the BCCI to bring back IPL at an appropriate time.

Brands Get A Bouncer

JioStar was reportedly eyeing a revenue of INR 4,500 Cr and onboarded 20 sponsors, including startups such as My11Circle, PokerBaazi, PhonePe, Dream11, and Zupee.

In a brochure sent by the broadcaster to ad and market agencies in February,

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