Concerns Over IPL 2025 Matches Amid Security Alerts Following Airstrikes
Security Concerns Impacting IPL 2025
The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 faces significant challenges related to travel and security due to India's recent airstrikes under "Operation Sindoor." These strikes targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) as a response to a deadly attack in Pahalgam that occurred 15 days ago.
In light of the heightened security alert, numerous airports across India have been temporarily closed for safety reasons. Airports in locations such as Dharamshala, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Gwalior, Bikaner, Bhuj, and Kisangarh will remain closed for the next few days.
Dharamshala is scheduled to host two IPL matches shortly, with the Punjab Kings (PBKS) set to play against the Delhi Capitals (DC) on Thursday, May 8, followed by a match against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday, May 11.
While the Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings have already arrived in Dharamshala, there are growing concerns about whether the matches will proceed as planned. The stadium's proximity to the border raises fears that using floodlights could pose risks by potentially revealing strategic locations to Pakistan.
A source informed a Media House that:
"We cannot provide Pakistan with an easy target with 25,000 spectators in the stadium in Dharamshala (with floodlights on). The BCCI believes it's better to be cautious."
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Potential Postponement of PBKS vs MI Match
The situation is particularly concerning for the match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians. With Dharamshala's airport closed and neighboring airports like Amritsar and Chandigarh also shut down, the Mumbai Indians may face difficulties in reaching the venue. Reports suggest that the match could either be moved to Mumbai or rescheduled for a later date.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently in discussions with the Indian government and will need to make a swift decision, especially since the league stage of the IPL is only 11 days away.