Cricket fans often hear the words “suspended” or “match suspended” during live games, especially in leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL). This terminology can be confusing to some people, as it can lead to more questions, such as what is the meaning of suspended in cricket, why a match is suspended, and what does suspended mean in IPL.
The suspended meaning in cricket can refer to many things. The basic meaning can depend on the context. It means that a ban has been imposed due to disciplinary reasons.
In this article I will give you answer to all your queries. So, let’s get started!
Suspended in cricket means that a player, match, team, or official is temporarily or formally stopped from participating or competing under the rules. The reason for and impact of suspension depend on who is suspended.
To understand the suspended meaning in cricket, you need to understand the different types. Let’s first look at the types, and then we will understand each with a broader explanation.
Types of Suspension in Cricket:
A match suspended, meaning in cricket, is what it sounds like. Match suspension happens when the play is temporarily halted due to unforeseen circumstances that make the game unsafe. The match can resume later.
You must understand that the match is not cancelled, play can resume later, and officials will monitor the conditions.
There can be many reasons for a match suspension. Some common ones include:
These reasons can apply to international cricket, domestic matches, and IPL games.
You should not confuse match suspension with match abandonment. These two are completely different things. Suspension is temporary, and abandonment is permanent. Understanding the suspended meaning in cricket helps fans know that a match can be paused due to rain, bad light, or other interruptions and later resumed. During match abandonment, it is possible to get a result via the DLS method.
You might also be wondering about the “match suspended meaning in IPL.” It is the same as in international cricket. Basically, IPL is governed by almost all international rules and regulations set by the ICC.
People searching for “match suspended meaning in cricket” should also look at player suspension. It occurs when an individual player is banned from playing one or more games of cricket due to disciplinary reasons. If a player violates the ICC Code of Conduct or the regulations of a cricket board, they are punished according to the rules. Suspension is also a part of the punishment.

A player can be suspended for various reasons. Here is the list.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) enforces the code of conduct for players and officials. It has a demerit point system for players depending on the type of offense.
| Level of Offences | Demerit Points | Suspension |
| 1 | 1-2 | |
| 2 | 3-4 | Up to 1 Test or 2 ODIs/T20Is |
| 3 | 5-6 | |
| 4 | 7-8 | 2 Tests or 4 ODIs/T20Is |
Players continue to accumulate points over a two-year period. So, when a player accumulates 4 or more points within 24 months, a suspension can be imposed.

There have been many famous examples of player suspensions in cricket. Have a look.
The “Sandpaper Gate” Trio (2018)
The most famous example of player suspension in the modern era is the “Sandpaper Gate” in 2018. It involved the leadership of the Australian group during a Test match against South Africa. Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft were involved in it, showing the suspended meaning in cricket at the highest level. Smith and Warner were banned by Cricket Australia for 12 months in international and domestic cricket. Bancroft received a 9-month ban.
Shane Warne’s World Cup Ban (2003)
In 2003, Shane Warne received a one-year suspension from all organized cricket for testing positive for a prohibited diuretic.
The Lord’s Spot-Fixing Scandal (2010)
Pakistan players were involved in deliberate no-balls bowled during a Test against England. It is known as the Lord’s spot fixing scandal. Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif, and Mohammad Amir were involved in the scandal, and the ICC banned them for 10 years, 7 years, and 5 years, respectively.
When a player is suspended in the IPL, they cannot participate in the next match or matches. The team is required to replace them in the playing XI. The suspension in IPL only affects the player and not the team.
People looking for suspended meaning in cricket should also look at team suspension. It means that a cricket team is temporarily banned from participating in matches or tournaments. This is a very rare and serious occurrence in cricket.
A team can be suspended due to many reasons, including:
The team suspension usually affects entire tournaments, series participation, and league standings.
When a team is suspended, their matches are forfeited or cancelled, and points are awarded to the opposition team. In leagues like IPL, the players of the suspended team might be released or reassigned. This is different from a match suspension.
Umpire or official suspension occurs when match officials are temporarily removed from their duties, explaining the suspended meaning in cricket in such situations. This does not stop the ongoing match, unless the replacements are not available at the ground.
Officials can be suspended for many reasons, including:
These types of suspensions are handled by the cricket boards or the ICC.
Suspension in cricket is more than just a temporary absence. It can create a domino effect in a player’s career.
Related Read: What is the Follow-On Rules in Test Cricket?
The suspended meaning in cricket goes far beyond just a simple match stoppage. It can apply to players, matches, teams, and even to officials. The match suspension is usually temporary and generally related to weather-based events. However, players’ and teams’ suspensions are disciplinary actions by the cricket boards like the ICC, BCCI, CA, and ECB.
Understanding these situations helps fans like us to clearly interpret announcements during live games. This is especially true if you are watching a tournament like IPL.
Ans: It means a match, player, team, or official has been temporarily banned from participating in the matches.
Ans: It means play has been paused due to weather or safety issues and may resume later.
Ans: No, the suspension does not affect personal records of a player.
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