Who has the authority to abnormally terminate a Sprint?

The authority to abnormally terminate a Sprint lies with the Product Owner. In the Scrum framework, the Product Owner is responsible for managing the product backlog and ensuring that the most valuable work is being delivered. If a Sprint is found to be no longer viable due to changes in market conditions, priorities, or any significant changes that would render the current Sprint goal unattainable, the Product Owner has the autonomy to evaluate the situation and decide whether to cancel the Sprint.

This decision often considers feedback from the Development Team and stakeholders, but ultimately, it is the Product Owner's role to make such strategic calls about the direction of the product. The rationale for this centralized decision-making power is to ensure that the team remains agile and can respond quickly to changes in order to deliver value effectively.

By understanding the dynamics within a Scrum Team, including the distinct roles and their responsibilities, it becomes clear why the Product Owner is positioned as the decision-maker in this particular instance. This facilitates accountability and helps synchronize the team’s efforts with the organization's evolving goals.