IPL 2025 Match Abandoned Amid Security Concerns and Floodlight Issues
IPL 2025 Season Faces Unforeseen Challenges
The IPL 2025 season encountered an unexpected disruption on Thursday night when the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was halted due to a failure of the floodlights and escalating tensions at the India-Pakistan border.
With regional airports closed and security risks increasing, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) acted swiftly to ensure the players' safe evacuation.
In collaboration with Indian Railways, the BCCI arranged a special Vande Bharat train from Pathankot to transport all players, support staff, commentators, and broadcast crew. Initially, the players were taken by road to Pathankot, located 85 kilometers from the match venue, before boarding the emergency train to Delhi. This prompt action received widespread acclaim from the cricket community.
The BCCI also shared a video of the train journey on IPL's official social media platforms, expressing gratitude to Indian Railways for their rapid assistance.
“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,” the BCCI caption read.
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.
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 9, 2025
We deeply appreciate your swift response. 🙌🏽@AshwiniVaishnaw | @JayShah |… pic.twitter.com/tUwzc5nGWD
Kuldeep Yadav Praises BCCI's Quick Response
In the footage shared, Kuldeep Yadav, a spinner for Delhi Capitals, expressed his appreciation for the BCCI and Indian Railways for their prompt evacuation efforts.
“The way it was managed was very good. I want to thank BCCI and Indian Railways,” Kuldeep stated during the train ride.
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Meanwhile, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla confirmed that ensuring the players' safety was the board's utmost priority.
“Given the increasing threat levels and the closure of airports in the area, we are organizing a special train from near Dharamsala to ensure everyone returns home safely. The match could not proceed tonight due to the circumstances,” he remarked on Thursday night.
Importantly, the BCCI announced a one-week suspension of the IPL on Friday. With 16 matches still pending, the BCCI is currently assessing alternative venues and scheduling to accommodate the remaining games.