Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal admitted that it was a tough decision to suspend IPL-18 matches with immediate effect for a week given the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, but at the same time, he is optimistic that the highly popular franchise league will resume soon.

“Most definitely, it [suspension call] was not an easy decision, but the situation demands that we stand united with our forces and our nation,” Dhumal told mid-day over the phone from Dharamsala on Friday, a day after the Punjab Kings versus Delhi Capitals fixture was cut short.