Thursday’s PBKS vs DC match was abandoned midway due to air raid alerts; BCCI may revise schedule as foreign players express desire to leave.
Dharamsala | May 9, 2025 –
The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) faces an uncertain future after escalating India-Pakistan tensions forced cancellation of the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala. IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed that the situation is under review, with no final decision yet on the continuation of the tournament.
“We are reviewing the situation right now. It is evolving. We haven’t received any government directive, but the safety of players and all stakeholders is paramount,” Dhumal told PTI.
The match was interrupted when air raid alerts were sounded in Jammu and Pathankot, prompting an evacuation of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. Floodlight failure was initially suspected, but it was later confirmed that blackout protocols were triggered due to regional security threats.
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At the time of suspension, PBKS was at 122 for 1 in 10.1 overs, with Prabhsimran Singh on 50 off 28 balls and Priyansh Arya scoring 70 off 34 balls before dismissal.
Teams Evacuated Under Security
Players and support staff were moved safely to hotels under heavy security cover, and are now being transported to Delhi via a special train from Pathankot, approximately 85 km from Dharamsala.
“There is no blackout at the hotel, but the entire region remains under heightened alert,” said an official from the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association.
Amid the confusion, anti-Pakistan slogans were heard outside the stadium as fans were escorted out.
Future Matches Under Scanner
While Friday’s match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Lucknow remains scheduled, officials are monitoring the evolving situation. The May 11 fixture between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, originally set for Dharamsala, has already been shifted to Ahmedabad.
Additionally, foreign players are reportedly expressing concerns and a desire to exit India early, adding pressure on the BCCI to make swift logistical decisions.
Background: Operation Sindoor and Blackouts
The disruption follows India’s missile strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK under Operation Sindoor, which was launched in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
In response, Pakistani drones and missiles targeted Indian military zones, leading to blackouts in Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, and Chandigarh on Thursday night.
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