Operation Sindoor Impacts IPL 2025: Airport Closures Disrupt Team Travel to Dharamsala

The effects of India’s pre-dawn retaliatory air strikes during Operation Sindoor are now carrying over into the sporting arena, with the Indian Premier League (IPL) encountering logistical challenges as a result of airspace shutdowns. Following precision air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, various major airports along the India-Pakistan border have been temporarily closed, taking a severe toll on flight operations.

Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot’s airports will remain shut until May 10 at 5:30 am IST, disrupting services of airlines as well as their customers. Numerous airlines have gone into advisories and suspended their services due to the fast-paced nature of geopolitical changes.

Dharamsala-based IPL Teams Encounter Serious Travel Issues

The schedule of these shutdowns is particularly inconvenient for IPL teams. With two matches lined up in Dharamsala this week, Punjab Kings (PBKS), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Mumbai Indians’ (MI) travel itineraries are now badly hit. While PBKS and DC are already there for their May 8 match, Mumbai Indians, under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, are to take off later this week for their May 11 match.

The airspace closure has effectively severed the most convenient access routes to Dharamsala. With even Chandigarh and Amritsar airports closed, squads could be compelled to fly into Delhi and cover a long road journey — no easy feat given the congested IPL schedule.

BCCI Keeping Close Watch

“We will have to wait and watch for now. There is no choice because even the Chandigarh airport is closed, so we have to find out what can be done. Two teams are already present, and MI is to come later this week for their game on May 11. The closest choice is the Delhi airport, but that would involve a long road trip for the teams. We are tracking government advisories and will take the call as necessary,” said a senior BCCI official.

While PBKS and DC have not received any fresh communication from the Indian cricket board, MI’s travel arrangements could likely be modified. Although there’s no official confirmation yet on flight cancellations, that possibility looms large if the shutdown persists.

While the country struggles to come to terms with the fallout from a high-risk military intervention, even the IPL — typically sheltered from political shocks — is now having to adjust.