BCCI Organizes Special Train for IPL Players Amid Match Cancellation
BCCI Arranges Special Train for Players
In a remarkable initiative, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has arranged a dedicated Vande Bharat train to transport players from Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), along with the entire broadcast team, from Dharamshala to Delhi. This decision was made due to the current circumstances in the state and the logistical issues that arose following the sudden cancellation of the IPL 2025 match between these two teams.
Details of the Train Journey
As per a source from the BCCI, approximately 300 individuals, including players, support staff, and broadcasters, will board the high-speed train to ensure a seamless and secure journey.
Match Cancellation Due to Floodlight Failure
This development follows an unfortunate incident at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium on Thursday night, where the eagerly awaited match between PBKS and DC was canceled due to a failure of the floodlights.
Indian Defence Forces Intercept Pakistani Missile Attack
In a separate incident, Pakistan launched eight missiles aimed at Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia, all of which were intercepted by Indian air defense units, according to defense sources on Thursday.
Explosions were reported as Indian air defense successfully intercepted Pakistani drones in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, and in Jaisalmer. A complete blackout was enforced in Bikaner, Rajasthan, and Jalandhar, Punjab, along with other regions including Kishtwar, Akhnoor, Samba, Jammu, and Amritsar.
India had previously responded to the Pahalgam terror attack through Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK with precision strikes, asserting that any attack on military installations would provoke a fitting response.
Spectators Evacuated Following Match Cancellation
Spectators were promptly informed about the match cancellation and were asked to leave the venue, while both teams were escorted back to their hotel. Shortly after, Punjab Kings confirmed the cancellation via their official social media account, stating, 'Match has been called off.'
Following the announcement, fans exited the stadium chanting slogans against Pakistan. At the time of the match's suspension, PBKS was at 122/1 in 10.1 overs, with Prabhsimran Singh (50*) and Shreyas Iyer (0*) at the crease.
PBKS Players Shine Before Cancellation
In the match, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bat first. Openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh aggressively attacked the bowlers from the outset.
The Punjab team reached the 50-run mark on the last ball of the fourth over, with Priyansh Arya hitting a boundary off right-arm seamer Dushmantha Chameera.
At the end of the powerplay (6 overs), PBKS stood at 69/0, with Priyansh Arya (42*) and Prabhsimran Singh (26*) not out. Priyansh Arya achieved his half-century in just 25 balls, while Prabhsimran Singh secured his fourth consecutive fifty in IPL 2025, reaching his half-century in 28 balls.
The Shreyas Iyer-led team crossed the 100-run milestone in the 9th over, with Prabhsimran scoring a double off Madhav Tiwari, who was making his IPL debut.