Historic Evacuation at IPL Match Amid Security Concerns
Unprecedented Evacuation at HPCA Stadium
In a first for the Indian Premier League, the HPCA Stadium witnessed a complete evacuation as floodlights were turned off following reports of air attacks from Pakistan affecting several northern Indian cities.
The game between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was halted during the 11th over of the first innings. Initially, organizers attributed the interruption to a technical issue with the floodlights, but the timing raised suspicions. The match was abruptly stopped as news of attacks on air bases in Jammu, Pathankot, and Jalandhar emerged, leading to two of the four floodlights being dimmed before a total blackout.
Franchise owners were the first to exit the stadium, followed closely by the players and then the spectators. Interestingly, a mock evacuation drill had been conducted prior to the match.
As the evacuation unfolded, nearby roads became congested with vehicles and fans attempting to leave the area.
Before the interruption, the match had been delayed by rain, with Punjab Kings in a strong position at 121/1 after 10.1 overs. Priyansh Arya had scored an impressive 70 runs off 34 balls, including five fours and six sixes, while Prabhsimran Singh contributed 50 runs off 28 balls with seven boundaries.
Just after Arya was dismissed and captain Shreyas Iyer stepped onto the field, the floodlights were dimmed, prompting the evacuation and plunging the stadium into darkness.
Match Relocation Due to Security Issues
Prior to the match's cancellation, rumors circulated about the May 11 game between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians being moved to Ahmedabad, which was later confirmed by the BCCI. This relocation was necessitated by the closure of Gaggal and Chandigarh airports.
The IPL managing committee announced, 'IPL Match No. 61 between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, originally set to take place in Dharamsala on Sunday, May 11, has been moved to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad due to logistical challenges.'
This recent turn of events casts uncertainty over the future of the league.