Mumbai: In developments that have cast a dark shadow over the remainder of IPL 2025, the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala was called off on Thursday night due to attacks from Pakistan in various parts of India.
The match was halted after 10.1 overs, with Punjab Kings cruising at 122/1, when the floodlights were suddenly turned off. All players, IPL officials, and support staff were immediately evacuated from the stadium.
Sources said the BCCI fears the development could cause panic in IPL camps, and foreign players could be uncomfortable about staying back. At the time of going to print, no call had been taken on Friday’s game in Lucknow.
“It is on as of now but obviously it is an evolving situation,” IPL chairman Arun Dhumal told PTI, adding: “A decision will be taken keeping the best interest of all stakeholders in mind. We haven’t received any directive from the government. We are reviewing the situation right now.”
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told TOI , “We have abandoned Thursday’s match considering the security of the players, officials and spectators. There’s no direct threat in Dharamshala but in view of developments in nearby areas, we’ve taken this precautionary call.”
Asked about the fate of the remaining matches and whether the IPL would continue, Saikia added, “We will assess tonight’s developments and take a decision tomorrow.”
There were reports suggesting that players, support staff, team owners (including Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta, who was present at the venue), and fans might be evacuated by train. “I can’t disclose logistical details. There are multiple travel options from Dharamshala. With the airport shut, we’ll have to explore alternatives,” said Saikia.
An emergency meeting of the IPL governing council was reportedly convened in Dharamshala, which incidentally is the home ground of the IPL chairman. Videos showing Dhumal urging fans to evacuate the stadium quickly went viral on Thursday night.
The capacity of the picturesque ground here is approximately 23,000 and it was packed to about 80% at the time of evacuation. “There was no panic from the spectators. They (spectators and players) were moved out of the stadium very carefully and safely,” an HPCA source said.
Prabhsimran Singh was batting at 50 off 28 balls while his opening partner Priyansh Arya made 70 off 34 balls before getting dismissed by pacer T Natarajan before proceedings came to a halt as the floodlights went out.
(With inputs from agencies)