As India-Pakistan military tensions ratchet up, the ripple effect is being experienced far beyond their borders, right down to the Indian Premier League (IPL). In an action-packed move following the shutdown of Dharamsala airport due to air raids and blackouts across the region, Indian Railways sent a special Vande Bharat Express to evacuate players and officials stuck in the war-torn area.
The IPL tweeted a brief clip on social media of players, support staff, commentators, production team, and operations personnel on board the Vande Bharat train to New Delhi. High-speed evacuation witnessed both Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings personnel, who had their mid-game Thursday night match canceled because of an unforeseen blackout created by air attacks in Pathankot and Jammu.
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. ??@AshwiniVaishnaw | @JayShah |… pic.twitter.com/tUwzc5nGWD
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 9, 2025
“There are a lot of players, staff and technical crew. Thank you to the BCCI and Indian Railways for managing the situation well,” said Delhi Capitals spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
Airport Shutdown Sparks Urgent Action
Just as the Dharamsala airport was to be shut down, the Delhi Capitals team had made it in for what was to be their match. The city, being Punjab Kings’ second home ground, soon turned into a logistical nightmare for IPL officials.
In the face of growing uncertainty and national security issues, the IPL Governing Council took the unprecedented step of postponing the rest of the season for a week. The Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians match, which was supposed to take place on Sunday in Dharamsala, has now been shifted to Ahmedabad.
IPL Priorises Safety and Stability
In a statement, the IPL affirmed, “The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fan.”
This event spotlights how even the most globalized and commercially popular sporting events are susceptible to local geopolitics. While India continues in an elevated state of alertness, Indian Railways’ prompt coordination with the BCCI is a reminder of the resilience and response of the country.
