Players and staff from Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) have safely reached New Delhi following the abandoned IPL 2025 match in Dharamsala due to a security alert linked to drone threats near Pathankot. The BCCI arranged a special Vande Bharat train for players, support staff, IPL officials, and broadcasters.
In a video shared by the IPL, DC spinner Kuldeep Yadav expressed gratitude to the BCCI and Indian Railways for their swift coordination and safe passage.
Arun Dhumal: “Had to Act Fast, Avoid Panic”
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal, who was present at the HPCA Stadium, revealed the behind-the-scenes challenge of executing a safe evacuation after being informed of the need for a blackout during the match.
“It was during the first strategic timeout that I was intimated about the blackout protocol… We had little time, but I quickly informed both team managements and planned the lights shutdown to avoid panic,” Dhumal told PTI.
He emphasized the importance of avoiding public panic or a stampede, especially in a packed stadium.
Crowd Management: “We Had to Be Calm and Clear”
Dhumal personally addressed the crowd during the evacuation, requesting calm and cooperation. The crowd, police, and local authorities were praised for their quick and coordinated response, which ensured fans exited safely.
“We had an abiding crowd that also responded to our call. We couldn’t have allowed panic,” Dhumal added.
To prevent chaos, the official statement cited a technical floodlight failure, though the actual reason was a security alert due to drone sightings near the Pathankot region, located under 100 km from the stadium.
“Unlike COVID-19 Suspension, This Was a Live Match”
Dhumal compared the incident to the suspension of IPL 2021 due to COVID-19 but noted that this was more sensitive, as it involved abandoning a live match midway in a packed stadium under potential threat.
“This was a different challenge altogether. During COVID, we had time. This time we didn’t,” he explained.
IPL 2025 Future: BCCI Will Decide Later
With 16 matches still remaining, including the playoffs, the future of IPL 2025 remains uncertain. Dhumal clarified that cricket is not the priority right now.
“Right now, like everyone else, we stand in solidarity with our armed forces. We will decide the future of the tournament at an appropriate time.”
Key Highlights:
- PBKS vs DC match was stopped after 10.1 overs due to drone alerts
- Blackout and evacuation executed smoothly under security protocol
- Players evacuated via special Vande Bharat train to Delhi
- IPL 2025 postponed for a week amid escalating Indo-Pak conflict
- BCCI to decide on tournament resumption after assessing security
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