May 7, 2025: The IPL 2025 clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI), originally scheduled to take place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala, has been relocated to Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai due to security concerns following heightened military activity near the India-Pakistan border.
The relocation follows the Indian Armed Forces’ recent successful execution of ‘Operation Sindoor’, a precision strike mission targeting nine anti-India terror infrastructures located in both Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, involved coordinated strikes by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Targets included key terror hubs in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sarjal, and Mehmoona Joya in Pakistan, and five sites across PoJK. This marks India’s most extensive military strike in Pakistani territory since 1971.
As a result of the ongoing security situation, Dharamshala Airport has been closed, prompting the venue change for the PBKS-MI match scheduled for May 11. Additionally, flight operations have been suspended in 11 cities across North, Northwest, and Central India until May 10. These include Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Gwalior, Kishangarh, and Rajkot.
The upcoming PBKS fixture against Delhi Capitals (DC), also slated for Dharamshala, is now uncertain. According to BCCI sources, the board is in close contact with government authorities and awaiting official security clearance for the game. Given Dharamshala’s proximity to the border, the board is considering alternate venues for Punjab Kings’ remaining home fixtures.
Should the situation persist, the Punjab franchise may be required to play their remaining home games at a different location for the remainder of the season, prioritizing the safety of players, staff, and spectators.