According to one of the cricketers, players were told to rush back to their hotels after the blackout at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. Some chaos ensued as Delhi Capitals players boarded the Punjab Kings bus, and vice versa. Should security worries grow, especially with growing tensions in the wake of recent developments between India and Pakistan, the BCCI might consider rescheduling the current IPL season.
The match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was called off during the 11th over when the lights went out at about 9:35 P.M. Punjab was at 122/1 when the blackout came into place, initially—and supposedly—being caused by a failure of the floodlights. The player said, “We were told about attacks in nearby Pathankot and asked to return to the hotel immediately; there was some panic.”
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said, “We are keeping an eye on the situation and will make a final call on the IPL tomorrow. The situation is changing day by day. We will do what we are told and keep everyone informed.” As per the reports, options are being kept on the table, including a possible halt to IPL 2025 or changing the schedule.
The stoppage of the Dharamsala match was decided by the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, consequent to phone calls from a senior cricketing official. From the moment of the call, the lights went out and the stadium was plunged into darkness. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal was also seen requesting the crowd to vacate.
Players had to be rushed back to the buses for safety, while the fans were evacuated. The stadium with the seating capacity of 23,000 was roughly 80 percent full at the time. With airports closed in the vicinity, BCCI is exploring options.
“We’re trying to figure out if we can get the teams to Delhi by train. The BCCI is working to ensure everyone’s safety,” Shukla said. They have also been checking with foreign players to see if anyone wishes to return so that arrangements can be made. They have also been checking with foreign players to see if anyone wishes to return so that arrangements can be made. Earlier that day, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur had received a bomb threat via email for a match that was to be held there.
