By IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal addresses speculation regarding the T20 tournament’s future, confirming that there are no plans to cancel or relocate it. He assures fans that the IPL remains strong, with no threat from global T20 leagues or external factors.
Air Raid Alerts Force Sudden Match Cancellation in Dharamsala
The Indian Premier League 2025 was brought to an abrupt halt on Thursday as air raid alerts in Jammu and Pathankot disrupted the high-stakes match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala. The ongoing military confrontation between India and Pakistan has thrown the tournament into a state of uncertainty, with organizers now scrambling to assess the viability of continuing the season.
At the time of the disruption, Punjab was cruising at 122 for 1 in 10.1 overs. Prabhsimran Singh had reached an impressive 50 off 28 balls, while his opening partner Priyansh Arya contributed 70 off just 34 balls before being dismissed. Initially, the interruption was attributed to a floodlight failure, but the seriousness of the situation escalated quickly.
Stadium Evacuated as Safety Measures Take Priority
The stadium, which was nearly 80% full with approximately 23,000 spectators, was evacuated swiftly following the alerts. Local authorities and IPL officials coordinated the evacuation to ensure the safety of both fans and players. The players and team staff from both franchises were safely escorted back to their hotel, which is now under tight security.
“There is no blackout here at the moment. The hotel is under heavy security, and we are waiting for BCCI’s decision,” said a Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association source.
As fans exited the stadium, many were seen chanting anti-Pakistan slogans, reflecting the tense mood triggered by the geopolitical developments.
IPL Chairman Responds: “We Are Reviewing the Situation”
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal spoke to PTI, confirming that the situation is being closely monitored. “We are reviewing the situation right now. It is an evolving situation. We haven’t received any directive from the government. Obviously, the decision will be taken keeping all the logistics in mind,” Dhumal stated.
He also addressed speculation about the continuation of the league and revealed that Friday’s match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru is currently unaffected. “Yes, it is on as of now, but obviously it is an evolving situation and any decision will be taken keeping the best interest of all stakeholders in mind.”
Players to Be Relocated as Airports Shut Down
In response to the heightened risk, players and support staff from both teams will be relocated to Delhi. A special train will be arranged from Pathankot, roughly 85 km from Dharamsala, and the teams will travel there by road.
Dharamsala’s airport, along with those in Kangra and Chandigarh, have been shut down as part of broader security precautions. These closures are a direct result of the precautionary blackout enforced across several key districts in Punjab, including Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
Foreign Players Consider Leaving as Conflict Escalates
Sources within the IPL have revealed that several foreign players are expressing concerns and are eager to return to their home countries. Their apprehension follows India’s retaliatory missile strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, two weeks after a terror attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives.
Future of IPL 2025 Now Hangs in the Balance
With the May 11 match between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings already shifted from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad, questions are being raised about the feasibility of continuing the league under the current climate. The IPL and BCCI are expected to make a formal announcement soon, depending on the unfolding geopolitical situation and government directives.
