Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings Return to Delhi After IPL Match Cancellation
Players and Staff Arrive in New Delhi
On Friday night, players and support staff from Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) arrived at Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi. This followed the cancellation of their Indian Premier League (IPL) match in Dharamshala.
Notable figures such as KL Rahul, Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs, Yuzvendra Chahal, and co-owner Preity Zinta were spotted leaving the station.
Travel Arrangements Made by Indian Railways
The players and staff traveled safely to Delhi on a special Vande Bharat train on the night of May 9, 2025, after the IPL 2025 match was suspended. A tweet from Dr. Subhash highlighted the swift action taken by the Indian Railways and BCCI.
DC & PBKS players safely reached Delhi via special Vande Bharat train on May 9, 2025 night after IPL 2025 #Dharamsala match suspension. Kudos to @RailMinIndia & BCCI for swift action! #IPL2025 #VandeBharat #DelhiCapitals #PunjabKings #CricketNews #operation_sindoor
Match Cancellation Details
The much-anticipated match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium was called off during the first innings on Thursday night. Fans were informed of the cancellation and asked to leave the venue, while both teams were escorted back to their accommodations.
IPL Expresses Gratitude to Indian Railways
Following the match's cancellation, a special Vande Bharat train was arranged on short notice to transport everyone back to New Delhi. The IPL expressed its gratitude to the Ministry of Railways via social media, stating, "Thank you, @RailMinIndia, for arranging a special Vande Bharat train on such short notice to ferry the players, support staff, commentators, production crew members, and operations staff to New Delhi. We deeply appreciate your swift response."
BCCI Suspends IPL Amid Rising Tensions
On Friday afternoon, the BCCI announced a one-week suspension of the ongoing IPL 2025 due to increasing cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. The Board confirmed that updates regarding the new schedule and venues would be provided after a thorough assessment in consultation with relevant authorities.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated, "At this critical juncture, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation. We express our solidarity with the Government of India, the Armed Forces, and the people of our country. The Board salutes the bravery, courage, and selfless service of our armed forces, whose heroic efforts under Operation Sindoor continue to protect and inspire the nation."
He further emphasized, "While cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing greater than the Nation and its sovereignty, integrity, and security of our country. The BCCI remains firmly committed to support all efforts that safeguard India and will always align its decisions in the best interest of the nation."