IPL 2025 Match Relocated to Ahmedabad Amid Security Concerns
Match Relocation Details
The IPL 2025 encounter between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) has been moved from Dharamshala to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad due to logistical issues. This match is still set to commence at 3:30 PM IST on Sunday, May 11, as initially scheduled.
"The TATA IPL Match No. 61 featuring Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, which was originally planned for Dharamshala on May 11, has been shifted to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad," stated the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Reasons for Venue Change
The change in venue was prompted by the closure of airports in Dharamshala, Chandigarh, and Amritsar until May 10 due to Operation Sindoor. Anil Patel, secretary of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), confirmed that the BCCI requested this change, which was promptly accepted.
This match was expected to be PBKS's final game of the season at their second home ground in Dharamshala, as they aim for their first IPL playoff appearance since 2014.
Security Concerns
Dharamshala's proximity to the India-Pakistan border raised security concerns, leading to the possibility that the Punjab-based franchise may need to relocate their remaining home matches.
Earlier reports indicated that the PBKS-MI match was initially planned to be held at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai due to the airport closure in Dharamshala.
Operation Sindoor
On Wednesday, the Indian Armed Forces successfully targeted nine terrorist sites using precision munitions in a coordinated operation named Operation Sindoor. This operation resulted in the destruction of four targets in Pakistan, including locations in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sarjal, and Mehmoona Joya, along with five sites in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
The operation was a collaborative effort involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, with all nine strikes reported as successful. The targeted locations were chosen to eliminate key leaders of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), who are known for orchestrating terrorist activities in India. This operation marks India's most significant military action within Pakistani territory since 1971.