In a shocking and unprecedented turn of events, Match No. 58 of IPL 2025 between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abruptly called off midway due to heightened security threats stemming from a series of attacks by Pakistan in various parts of India. The match, held at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (HPCA) in Dharamsala, came to a grinding halt after 10.1 overs, with Punjab Kings cruising at 122 for 1. What initially seemed like a minor technical hiccup with the floodlights quickly spiraled into a full-scale emergency evacuation.
Fans inside the stadium first noticed unusual activity when one of the floodlights went out. Within moments, the entire ground was plunged into darkness. There were no official announcements, but the swift movements of armed personnel, including snipers and army officers stationed inside the stadium, suggested something far more serious.
Without stirring panic, stadium authorities began evacuating the crowd in a calm but urgent manner. Among the evacuees was an Instagram user named Shubham Gautam, who shared his harrowing experience as he and his friends drove overnight to Jaipur.
“We were inside the ground, and I think about 10 overs were done when suddenly the army presence around us intensified. Our section had several armed personnel, including snipers, and they were clearly on high alert. Soon after, we received calls from our families informing us about attacks and missile strikes in Pathankot. That’s when the lights went out completely, and people started rushing out,” he said. “Within minutes, the entire stadium was empty. We are now trying to get back to Jaipur, which is about 800 km from here.”
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The visuals on social media painted an equally grim picture. Videos showed IPL Governing Council Chairman Arun Dhumal personally guiding fans to exit points, while cheerleaders, players, coaching staff, and even team co-owner Preity Zinta were escorted out quickly and discreetly. One cheerleader shared a video capturing the sudden blackout, followed by the chaotic but controlled evacuation.
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Sources later confirmed that the disruption was tied to a series of drone and missile attacks launched by Pakistan earlier that day across multiple regions in North India. The strikes were reportedly a response to India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, which came in the aftermath of April’s terror attack in Pahalgam.
In response, the BCCI acted swiftly, confirming that a special train was being arranged to transport players, staff, and match officials from Dharamsala to Delhi. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia emphasised that the safety and well-being of everyone involved remained their highest priority. He also stated that future decisions regarding the continuation of the IPL 2025 season would be contingent on directives from the central government.
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An emergency meeting of the IPL Governing Council is now scheduled, where a possible temporary suspension of the tournament is likely to be discussed. As the cricketing world holds its breath, fans, players, and officials await clarity on what lies ahead for the remainder of the season.
