In the wake of tensions with Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) quickly canceled the IPL match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings on May 7 in Dharamshala. The move came after repeated cross-border attacks by Pakistan, including drone attacks and missile launches in northern India, which also hit Jammu and Punjab.
“Very very scary” – Cheer leader’s SHOCKING video from Punjab Kings Vs Delhi Capitals IPL match in Dharamshala. pic.twitter.com/S830aDKer3
— Manobala Vijayabalan (@ManobalaV) May 8, 2025
The game was suspended during the 11th over of Punjab Kings’ innings when one of the floodlight towers at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium suddenly lost power. Fans initially thought it was a technical malfunction, but two other towers went dark immediately afterward, leaving the stadium dark and forcing officials to clear the stands.
#WATCH | Dharamshala: Sudhir, a cricket fan says, “The match has been called off because of security reasons. What do we have to be afraid of? We are in our country. If anyone, it should be Pakistan who should be afraid. Bharat Mata ki Jai.” https://t.co/N3YDWolW07 pic.twitter.com/QjiNCQn9sZ
— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2025
Emergency Evacuation via Vande Bharat
In a swift action, the BCCI organized a special Vande Bharat train to carry both teams, support staff, and match officials from Una station to Delhi. The priority movement secures the safe departure of everyone from Dharamshala in the face of unstable regional security situations.
IPL Chairman requesting fans to leave the Dharamshala Stadium. pic.twitter.com/NhX03h0Ys3
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 8, 2025
“Today’s situation is not safe, and hence we cancelled the match for today, not only in Dharamsala, but because tensions from the neighboring country have escalated,” said BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia to India Today. “Our concern is to ensure the security of players, fans, and support staff. We will act in the best interests of the concerned nations. We are keeping a close watch on the situation and will take further decisions accordingly.”
India Reacts to Provocations
The cancellation is in tandem with India’s air defense systems intercepting rockets launched from across the border, shooting down several drones and one Pakistan F-16 jet. Particularly, drones were neutralized at Udhampur, Jaisalmer, and Poonch, two among them being Kamikaze drones.
With the security of civilians and players in jeopardy, cricket was put on the back burner as the BCCI, armed forces, and civil authorities worked together to prevent further danger.
