In an unprecedented move during IPL 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has arranged a special train from Una to safely evacuate players, support staff, and officials following the abrupt abandonment of the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals clash in Dharamsala due to heightened security concerns.
Confirming the development, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla said, “We are organising a special train from Una, not far from Dharamsala, to bring everyone home safely. The match has been called off and the stadium has been completely evacuated. Player safety is our topmost priority right now. A decision on the tournament’s future will be taken after assessing the situation tomorrow.”
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According to PTI, the teams will be transported to Delhi via Pathankot, which is around 85 km from Dharamsala. The journey to Pathankot will be by road, after which the squads will board the train. With air travel suspended in and around the region—including at Kangra, Dharamsala, and Chandigarh airports—the railway route became the most viable evacuation option.
A special train from Una to be arranged for Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals players after the abandoned Dharamsala match.#IPL2025 #PBKSvsDC #BCCI #DelhiCapitals #PunjabKings #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/FMfCNOH6Pe
— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) May 8, 2025
The decision to abandon the match came following reports of drone attacks and rising tension across the border. Arun Dhumal, speaking from Dharamsala, said, “Yes, the match has been called off as a precaution. We received information about incidents in Jammu and thought it wise to act early.”
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Authorities swiftly began evacuating players and fans from the HPCA Stadium. Several spectators, alarmed by the blackout and lack of public announcements, were seen chanting anti-Pakistan slogans as they exited.
The floodlights going off mid-game signaled something was wrong, and soon after, the entire stadium was cleared. Reports of missile trails and drone sightings in nearby Jammu only heightened the urgency of the situation.
