The Delhi Capitals vs. Punjab Kings IPL 2025 match on May 8, 2025, in Dharamshala was suddenly cancelled after a string of security threats. A power blackout in the city, which was initiated by Pakistan drone and missile attacks on several locations across India, including places near Dharamshala, resulted in the match being suspended. The attacks followed immediately after India started its Operation Sindoor, which sought to disable terrorist infrastructure.
#WATCH | Delhi: Players of Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings reach Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station after their IPL match in Dharamshala was called off yesterday.
They reached Jalandhar from Dharamshala by road, after which they boarded the train to Delhi. pic.twitter.com/dZSuUgJhCm
— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2025
Blackout and Security Issues Result in IPL Match Abandonment
Following increased tensions along the western frontier, Pakistan carried out a series of coordinated drone and missile attacks against Indian cities, including areas around Dharamshala. The attacks caused widespread power outages, bringing the planned IPL match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings to a halt. Authorities, concerned about player and fan safety, decided to cancel the match due to the threat posed by these ongoing security threats.
The two teams, which were already on their way to the stadium, quickly organized alternative travel arrangements. Members of both teams traveled back to Delhi, initially by road from Dharamshala to Jalandhar, then by train to Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi, which they reached on May 9, 2025. The last-minute change in travel plans was required owing to the blackout and security risks after the attacks.
IPL 2025 Put on Hold Amid Security Threats
Following the increasing security threats post-Operation Sindoor and the ongoing attacks along the western border of India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) put the IPL 2025 on hold. The league, which has been a point of enthusiasm for millions of people across the nation, is on the verge of a significant disruption with security fears taking over. No additional IPL matches will be conducted until the situation normalizes and safety protocols are established firmly.
Operation Sindoor and Its Impact
Attacks were preceded by India’s Operation Sindoor that was conducted in order to topple terror camps working within Pakistan and Pakistan-held Jammu and Kashmir. With the operation conducted, Pakistan military further fueled tension by attacking drone and missile launches against military installations and civilian assets within India. Blackout within Dharamshala was but one of numerous implications resulting from this tightened security environment.
While the nation deals with these security issues, the BCCI, players, and fans alike wait to hear when IPL 2025 can resume safely. The league is currently on hold, with the main priority being national security and the safety of everyone involved.
