The Indian Premier League 2025 faces a major crisis after the PBKS vs DC match in Dharamsala was cancelled mid-game on Thursday due to air raid alerts following escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. With military action and terror threats rising, the league’s fate now hangs in the balance.
Match Abandoned After Alarms, Blackouts in Northern India
The match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was called off after 10.1 overs, with PBKS at 122/1, due to what was initially attributed to floodlight failure. However, it soon emerged that air raid alerts in Jammu and Pathankot had prompted emergency evacuations.
A near-capacity crowd at the scenic Dharamsala Stadium — approximately 23,000 — was escorted out, and players were taken back to their hotels under heavy security.
“Players of both the teams are safely back in the hotel. We are waiting for BCCI’s decision,” said an HPCA source.
Arun Dhumal: “IPL Is On As of Now”
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed that no government directive has yet been received and the tournament will continue for now.
“It is an evolving situation. Any decision will be taken keeping all stakeholders in mind,” he told PTI after Thursday’s incident.
Dhumal also confirmed that Friday’s match in Lucknow between LSG and RCB remains unaffected as of now.
Precautionary Measures Affect Logistics
- Dharamsala, Kangra, and Chandigarh airports have been shut down due to security threats.
- Teams are being moved to Delhi via a special train from Pathankot, 85 km away.
- May 11 MI vs PBKS match, originally scheduled for Dharamsala, has been shifted to Ahmedabad.
Foreign Players Reportedly Want to Leave
According to IPL sources, several overseas players are uncomfortable with the escalating situation and have expressed interest in returning home early. No official confirmations have been made, but this sentiment could significantly impact team lineups if the tournament proceeds.
Context: India-Pakistan Escalation
The tension stems from a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 people. In response, India launched missile strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and POK. This has triggered air raid drills and blackouts across Punjab and surrounding areas.
On Thursday, districts including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, and Chandigarh experienced blackouts after air raid sirens and reports of explosion-like sounds in Jammu.
IPL 2025: What Lies Ahead?
With 12 league games and playoffs still remaining, including key matches in Lucknow, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Chennai, the BCCI faces immense pressure to balance national security, logistics, and tournament continuity.
Key Matches Impacted:
- ✅ PBKS vs DC – Dharamsala – Abandoned
- 🔁 MI vs PBKS – Moved to Ahmedabad*
- 🆗 LSG vs RCB – On schedule (as of now)*
Conclusion
The fate of IPL 2025 will likely be determined by government advisories in the coming days. While Arun Dhumal has not ruled out suspension, he emphasized that the league is active for now, and any decisions will prioritize safety and stakeholder interests.
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