In a rare move, the BCCI has arranged for a special train to bring the players, coaches, and staff of Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) safely from Dharamshala to Delhi after the match was called off on Thursday. The game was halted during the first innings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium following sudden emergency alerts depicting the rising tensions at the India-Pakistan border. While the players were on the field, an air raid warning was issued for cities close by such as Jammu and Pathankot, and the officials stopped the match for the safety of the players.
At the time, Punjab Kings had a strong total of 122 for 1 after just about 10 overs. The opener Prabhsimran Singh was not out on 50, off 28 balls, finishing his innings while Priyansh Arya had hammered 70 off 34 before being dismissed. With commercial flights grounded at Gaggal Airport in Dharamshala and in the adjoining areas for safety reasons, the BCCI took up the mantle to ensure the players were transported by alternate means. The special train will take nearly 300 individuals, including players and support staff, from Pathankot to Delhi under heavy security arrangements
According to the spokesperson of the Northern Railways, “Tomorrow, a special train will run from Pathankot to Delhi for the IPL teams. For security reasons, we can’t divulge the timing or the route.” Presence of such a strange movement only adds to the seriousness of the security scenario with defense forces on high alert following the recent hots exchanges at the border.
The unprecedented move underlines the seriousness of the evolving security landscape in the region, with defence forces on high alert amid retaliatory exchanges along the border.
Meanwhile, the continuation of the IPL in 2025 is far from certain. Corpses are rife that BCCI is in urgent talks with franchise representatives and security officials to ascertain the possibility of resuming the tournament. An increasing safety concern among international players might influence the schedule ahead.
