The upcoming Match No. 61 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI), originally scheduled for May 11 in Dharamsala, has now been reportedly shifted to Ahmedabad due to national security concerns.
Initially, Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, Brabourne Stadium, and DY Patil Stadium were considered a potential backup location. However, to maintain neutrality and avoid giving either franchise a home advantage, the BCCI has chosen Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, with Gujarat Cricket Association secretary Anil Patel confirming the development.
“Since the match had to be shifted at the last minute, the BCCI asked if we could host it, and we have formally informed them that we are ready,” he said as quoted by TOI.
Dharamsala is acting as Punjab Kings’ second home venue and is hosting three fixtures, against Lucknow Super Giants (May 3), Delhi Capitals (May 8), and the now-relocated match against Mumbai Indians (May 11). PBKS began their Dharamsala leg by defeating LSG by 37 runs, and is expected to play against DC at the same venue, as both teams have reached the location. However, MI and PBKS are expected to reroute their travel plans through New Delhi before heading to Ahmedabad.
The change the fixtures was made after the recent Operation Sindoor, carried out by the Indian Armed Forces targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), which has led to tensions and restrictions in several northern regions of the country.
The uncertainty around the venue and match being played had been growing over the past few days, especially with multiple airports, including Dharamsala, Jammu, and Chandigarh, being temporarily shut down. Mumbai Indians were supposed to travel to Dharamsala via Chandigarh on May 7, but flight cancellations and security restrictions prevented them from going ahead with their journey. This forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to look for alternative venues on short notice.
