The Premier League has postponed a competition just a week before it was due to kick off, it has been announced.
The league recently announced the opening of a new office based in Mumbai, India to continue the growth in the country – following on from bases in Singapore, New York and Beijing.
India is an important market for the Premier League and the sixth edition of the Next Gen Cup – a tournament organised in partnership with the Indian Super League and Reliance Foundation – was due to take place next weekend.
Premier League Under 19 teams were set to participate and come up against youngsters from ISL sides.
However, John Cross of The Mirror reported on Friday morning that the competition has been scrapped amid military tensions between India and Pakistan.
The decision was taken after fears of security and safety for the players who were scheduled to travel and play.
The Pakistan Cricket Board set the precedent when they announced that the final eight games of the Pakistan Super League would be played in the United Arab Emirates and the Premier League have now put this year’s event.
Chelsea, West Ham and Wolverhampton Wanderers are past winners of the tournament, which was initially an Under 14 competition but moved to Under 21’s in 2022.
The holders are South African side Stellenbosch, who went all the way in 2024 edition for a second time in a tournament which included Everton, Aston Villa, Spurs and Crystal Palace.
SPORTbible has reached out to the Premier League for comment.
