One of the cheerleaders present during the IPL 2025 encounter between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals has opened up about the terrifying sequence of events that unfolded at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on May 8. The high-octane clash was abandoned midway due to escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, plunging what was meant to be a festive evening of cricket into chaos and fear.
In a video shared on social media, the visibly shaken cheerleader recalled the sudden and alarming evacuation of the stadium. “The whole stadium was evacuated in the middle of the game. It was very scary. Everyone was screaming ‘bombs coming.’ I’m still in shock and hoping the IPL authorities help us get out of Dharamsala safely. I don’t know why I’m not crying yet—I guess I haven’t fully processed what’s happening,” she said.
WATCH – Fans Explain Sudden Evacuation at HPCA Stadium Amid Security Threats
The match had been progressing at a rapid pace before it was halted. Punjab Kings were dominating at 122 for 1 after just 10.1 overs, thanks to blistering half-centuries from Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh. T Natarajan had just dismissed Arya, and skipper Shreyas Iyer had walked out to the middle. But the match was officially called off before he could face a delivery due to the emergency situation.
The IPL match has been cancelled. People were terrified and started screaming. This is exactly what happens when a game is suddenly stopped. 🙏#IndiaPakistanConflict pic.twitter.com/83082zE5fC
— Siddhant (@sid_bigboss) May 8, 2025
Reacting to the incident, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla announced that a special train would be arranged to safely transport players, officials, and broadcast crew out of Dharamsala. He added that further decisions regarding the continuation of the IPL season would be taken on Friday.
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Meanwhile, the next scheduled match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Ekana Stadium hangs in the balance, as uncertainty looms over the immediate future of the tournament.
