IPL 2025 Faces Uncertainty Amid Rising Tensions: Special Evacuation Train for Players

Emergency Evacuation for IPL Teams

New Delhi: A special train has been organized to safely transport players and support staff from the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC), along with match officials, commentators, and broadcast crew members associated with IPL 2025.

This decision follows the abrupt cancellation of the IPL match between PBKS and DC at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, which was halted after just 10.1 overs due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan. Reports indicate that air and drone strikes from Pakistan have caused power outages in nearby areas including Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur.

Sources revealed, "A special train has been arranged to evacuate both teams and other IPL-related personnel from Dharamshala. Due to security concerns, we cannot disclose further details, as this is a sensitive situation. Our priority is to ensure their safety."

Around 9:30 PM on Thursday, one of the stadium's four floodlights failed, leading to partial darkness on the field. Consequently, players and umpires retreated to the dressing rooms as the remaining lights were also turned off.

Spectators were calmly instructed to leave the stadium, a process managed efficiently by local authorities and the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA). Visuals captured IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal encouraging fans to exit the venue, while players and staff returned to their hotels without incident.

With cross-border tensions escalating, the future of IPL 2025, which includes 12 league matches and playoffs, remains uncertain. A decision regarding the continuation of the tournament is pending, following discussions among BCCI's top officials and guidance from the central government.