BY- Kartikey Tripathi (Haridwar)
IPL 2025 Match Abandoned in Dharamshala Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
In an unprecedented turn of events during the Tata IPL 2025, Thursday evening's clash between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the picturesque Dharamshala Stadium was abruptly halted due to rising cross-border tensions. What started as a thrilling contest quickly transformed into a high-stakes evacuation operation—one that showcased the logistical might of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The Evacuation: 23,000 Fans Moved Out Amid Blackout and Border Tensions
As news of drone attacks and blackouts around India’s northern border cities emerged, Himachal Pradesh’s administration acted swiftly, issuing an emergency directive to clear all public spaces. With over 23,000 spectators—approximately 80% stadium's capacity—present inside Dharamshala Stadium, authorities faced an immense challenge.
Within seconds of being briefed, top BCCI officials ordered an immediate halt to the game. Floodlights were turned off, and both teams—Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals—along with their support staff, were escorted to their respective hotels under high security.
The real test came in managing the crowd. IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal, who was coincidentally attending the match, personally addressed the audience, requesting fans to vacate the stands calmly and swiftly. In a remarkably organised evacuation, police forces and stadium staff ensured that fans left in an orderly manner. Once outside, announcements were made urging all residents and visitors to return home immediately, as Dharamshala city underwent a complete blackout as a preventive measure.
IPL Governor Arun Dhumal Guiding The Crowd
This flawless execution of a large-scale evacuation stands as a counter to recurring criticism of BCCI’s ground-level management—often ridiculed for using fans and vintage drying techniques during weather delays. On this occasion, BCCI’s response was swift, modern, and above all, effective.
Special Trains Arranged to Evacuate IPL Teams and Broadcast Crew from Dharamshala
With air travel suspended across several key sectors in northern India, the BCCI wasted no time in arranging special train services to safely transport players, broadcasters, and match officials out of the volatile region.
“We are organising a special train from close to Dharamshala to bring everybody home safely. As of now, the match has been called off and the stadium has been evacuated. We will take a call on the tournament’s future depending on the situation tomorrow. Players’ safety is of utmost importance,”
said Rajeev Shukla, senior BCCI official.
All players and key personnel involved in the match have been placed under tight security at designated hotels and will remain there until further guidance from the IPL Operations Team.
IPL 2025 Suspended For 1 Week BCCI Mulls Contingency Plans Amid “Operation Sindoor”
The abandoned match comes on the back of Operation Sindoor, India’s robust military response to recent aggressive maneuvers from across the border. With the threat level at its peak in northern India, BCCI and the IPL Governing Council are holding urgent internal discussions regarding the remainder of the tournament. For now, they have decided to suspend the IPL for one week and will see how the situation unfolds further before restarting the league.
