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An IPL match was abandoned due to security concerns following escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Pakistan launched missiles into India, prompting a counter-attack and raising questions about the future of the IPL.
Amid the heightened cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, the uncertainty looms over the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) after the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the HPCA stadium in Dharamshala was called off due to security concerns on Thursday, May 8.
Punjab Kings raced to a total of 122/1 in 10.1 overs before the security officials asked the players of both teams and spectators at the stadium to evacuate. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal was in attendance for the match and he himself asked the spectators to vacate the premises amid the security concerns following the escalation of the war between India and Pakistan. This came after Pakistan launched a missile attack on India after Indian Armed Forces’ successfully carried out Operation Sindoor as a response to Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.
It has been reported that Pakistan launched eight missiles into the regions of Poonch, Jaisalmer, Satwari, Samba, RS Pura and Arnia. However, Indian defence forces thwarted countermeasures, intercepting most of the incoming missiles from Pakistan ensuring minimal damage and no casualties. The blackouts were also witnessed in the regions like Kishtwar, Akhnoor, Samba, Jammu, and Amritsar, Jalandhar as a precautionary measure amid fears of escalating tensions between two countries.
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Will IPL 2025 be called off amid rising tensions?
Given the current situation between India and Pakistan after successful Operation Sindoor, there are doubts whether the remaining matches of the ongoing Indian Premier League will continue. However, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal stated that the BCCI has yet to receive a directive from the government.
“We are reviewing the situation right now,” Dhumal told PTI when asked whether the league will continue amid India-Pakistan conflict.
“It's an evolving situation. We haven't received any directive from the government. Decisions will be taken keeping the best interest of all stakeholders in mind,” he added.
BCCI stakeholders hold emergency meeting
After the IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abandoned due to security reasons, the stakeholders of the BCCI held an emergency meeting, likely to plans for evacuating the players and support staffs of both the teams, and broadcasting crew from Dharamshala amid the air raid alerts in the neighbouring cities like Pathankot and Jammu.
The teams and spectators were quickly evacuated from the stadium. It was reported that almost 23,000 people were present at the picturesque stadium of Dharamshala. The HPCA stated that spectators were not panicked as they were removed from the stadium carefully and safely.
"There was no panic from the spectators. They (spectators and players) were moved out of the stadium very carefully and safely," a source close to HPCA told PTI.
Meanwhile, the match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take place today (May 9) as per the schedule until further notice from the government or the BCCI regarding potential changes to the IPL 2025 itinerary.
India hits back at Pakistan with fierce counter-attack
Meanwhile, Indian defence forces have reportedly captured two Pakistan fighter pilots in Jaisalmer and Akhnoor. Three Pakistani fighter jets have been shot down so far. One of them was brought down near Lathi in the Pokhran area of Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer sector. Another aircraft, an AWACS (a radar-equipped surveillance plane), was shot down inside Pakistan's Punjab province.
In retaliation to Pakistan’s missile attack, Indian Armed Forces countered-attack by targeting Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad. It was reported that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was moved out of his official residence after a huge blast was heard near his residence. Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir was reportedly detained by Pakistan authorities amid strike against India and Sahir Shamshad Mirza has taken over as interim military commander, intensifying political uncertainty within Pakistan as the conflict with India escalates.
