The IPL and PSL are not alone – 8 times a domestic T20 tournament was suspended, postponed, relocated or cancelled
The 2025 Indian Premier League and Pakistan Super League have both been suspended with the latter relocated to the UAE as ongoing tensions continue to rise between the two nations.
The BCCI and PCB have consulted with all stakeholders and made the necessary decisions to pause two of the world’s most popular franchise cricket leagues in the height of their seasons.
Cricket365 take a closer look at franchise T20 cricket events that have been suspended, relocated or cancelled through the years…
1. Champions League Twenty20, 2008
The inaugural Champions League Twenty20 was scheduled for December 2008 but was cancelled following the Mumbai terror attacks in November. The tragic events had a big impact on cricket scheduling in India, with security concerns for travelling teams.
A period of national mourning and a logistical nightmare meant organisers chose to cancel the event. The event was intended to be a showcase of Indian domestic talent, and despite it making its debut the following year, it was canned in 2014.
2. Indian Premier League, 2009
The 2009 IPL was relocated to South Africa due to a clash with India’s General Election at a time of political turmoil.
The government stated they couldn’t guarantee enough security for the event, and the BCCI, therefore, decided to shift the event to a different continent, pumping vast amounts of money into the South African economy.
Despite the logistical obstacles, the tournament ran smoothly and retained its sport-leading viewership and popularity.
3. Lanka Premier League, 2013
The Lanka Premier League was cancelled in 2013 after franchise owners failed to fulfil financial obligations. The tournament had been held the previous year but was then scrapped due to a lack of investor confidence in the product.
The cancellation highlighted the difficulties that smaller cricket boards face in hosting franchise competitions. The Lanka Premier League runs in the nation today and has gained much more traction in Sri Lanka.
4. T20 Global League, 2017
South Africa‘s T20 Global League was cancelled in 2017 after failure to secure a pivotal broadcast partner or main sponsor for the event. Without the financial backing that Cricket South Africa deemed essential for success, they saw the prospect unviable and consequently pulled the plug.
The late cancellation led to widespread criticism of CSA’s planning and organisational integrity.
5. Euro T20 Slam, 2019
The Euro T20 Slam, featuring smaller nations such as Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, was canned just weeks before its scheduled debut due to operational problems with a lack of time and infrastructure, the given reason.
The league had been a promising sign of growth for European T20 cricket, but its sudden cancellation raised doubts about the readiness of the nations for franchise cricket.
6. Caribbean Premier League, 2020
Due to the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 CPL was held exclusively in Trinidad and Tobago in a bio-secure environment. Restrictions on travel and the elevated health risk forced the organisers to take drastic measures to ensure the competition could continue.
Although played without the vibrant CPL fans and their buoyant atmosphere, the event went smoothly and set the tone for successful bio-secure sporting events.
7. Pakistan Super League, 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced that the remaining PSL fixtures will be played out in the United Arab Emirates and that it could take up to a week to resume.
There are eight more matches scheduled, with the remaining four group games and a further four play-off games now taking place in the UAE, with fears of safety in Pakistan following the India/Pakistan conflicts.
8. Indian Premier League, 2025
The 2025 IPL has been suspended for one week over safety concerns amid the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
The BCCI decided to suspend the world-leading franchise cricket event following consultations with all of the IPL’s stakeholders.
The English and Welsh Cricket Board and Cricket Australia are supporting their players in helping them return safely during uncertain and tragic times.
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