Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar on Wednesday reacted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India's decision to cancel the cash-rich Indian Premier League's 2021 season midway and said nothing is more important than saving human lives amid COVID-19 crisis in India.

Akhtar said he had suggested a similar move of cancelling the tournament earlier.

"IPL canceled. I saw it coming & suggested that two weeks ago. Nothing more important than saving human lives during current covid crisis in India," IBNS quoted the Pakistani star's tweet.

The Indian Premier League Governing Council (IPL GC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an emergency meeting has unanimously decided to postpone IPL 2021 season, with immediate effect.

"The BCCI does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff and the other participants involved in organising the IPL. This decision was taken keeping the safety, health and wellbeing of all the stakeholders in mind," read an official statement.

"These are difficult times, especially in India and while we have tried to bring in some positivity and cheer, however, it is imperative that the tournament is now suspended and everyone goes back to their families and loved ones in these trying times," it said.

The BCCI said it will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021.

"The BCCI would like to thank all the healthcare workers, state associations, players, support staff, franchises, sponsors, partners and all the service providers who have tried their best to organise IPL 2021 even in these extremely difficult times," read an official statement.