The coveted IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League)Ā season faced a shocking suspension of a week due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision came shortly after the match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dharamsala was called off mid-innings due to a sudden blackout and safety concerns triggered by air raid alerts in nearby regions.
The match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on May 8 was stopped after just 10.1 overs, with the Punjab team playing at 122/1. What initially seemed to be a technical failure soon escalated into a larger security issue, resulting in immediate evacuation orders. PBKS co-owner and actor Preity Zinta was seen urging fans to leave the stadium smoothly and quickly. Later, she took to social media to thank the board and apologised to fans for being blunt with them at that time.
āFinally back home after a crazy last few days. A heartfelt thank you to Indian Railways & our Railway minister, Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw, for helping both IPL teams and all officials & families leave Dharamshala in a safe, swift, & comfortable way. A big thank you to Jay Shah, Mr Arun Dhumal, BCCI & our CEO, Mr Satish Menon & the Operations team of Punjab Kings for helping coordinate the evacuation of our stadium in Dharamshala safely & in an orderly manner,ā Zinta wrote on her āXā handle.
āEverything was handled so well. Finally, to all the people that were in the Dharamshala stadium, Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou for not panicking & for any stampedes. You guys are absolute rock stars. Iām sorry I was a bit curt & said no to pictures with everyone, but the need of the hour was the safety of everyone, and it was my duty & responsibility to make sure everyone stayed safe. Thank you for making it possible. Love you all. Ting,ā she further added.
Check out Punjab Kingsā co-owner Preity Zintaās viral post here:
4.2K
265
Dhoni returns home after IPL 2025 suspension
Safe evacuation via train, alternative venues for remainder of IPL 2025
Following the mid-match suspension, players and support staff of both PBKS and DC were safely taken from Dharamshala to Jalandhar under tight security. With airports temporarily shut down as a precaution, the teams boarded a special Vande Bharat Express train to New Delhi. The BCCI suspended the IPL 2025 season on May 9 for a week in light of cross-border tensions, with plans to possibly resume the tournament once conditions stabilise.
Notably, prime citiesāBengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabadāhave been shortlisted as alternative venues for the remaining 16 matches if the league restarts around mid-May.
