IPL (Indian Premier League) chairman Arun Dhumal has said that the competition will go ahead as planned unless the Indian government gives the go-ahead, despite growing security concerns in the wake of cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.
The match between the Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings at Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium on May 8 was abandoned midway due to border tensions between India and Pakistan, posing an unprecedented challenge to the 2025 IPL.
Dhumal has stated that the league will move forward for the time being, with choices being made based on future government directives.
“At the moment, we are assessing the issue. The scenario is changing. The government has not given us any directives. “Obviously, the decision will be made with all the logistics in mind,” ESPNcricinfo cited Dhumal as saying.
It was first thought that a major mechanical malfunction at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium was the reason behind the cancellation of the Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals match at Dharamsala during the eleventh over. Players and almost 80% of the 23,000-person crowd were evacuated after three lighting towers failed owing to power failures and escalating military activities in neighbouring areas.
Due to the suspension of air traffic in the area, the BCCI has organised a special train to transport both teams and match officials to Delhi via Pathankot. Due to safety concerns, the Punjab Kings’ upcoming game against the Mumbai Indians has also been moved from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad.
With 12 league games and the playoffs left to be played, IPL 2025 has already seen 58 matches at locations like Lucknow, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Notably, Dhumal affirmed that the Lucknow Super Giants vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru game at the Ekana cricket venue on Friday will proceed according to plan.
“Yes, it is on as of now, but obviously it is an evolving situation and any decision will be taken keeping the best interest of all stakeholders in mind,” he stated.
The board has been keeping a careful eye on the situation, and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia also provided an explanation for the decision to postpone the game. He disclosed that the players’, officials’, and supporters’ safety is the primary concern and that additional measures will be implemented with that in mind.
Since things are unstable right now, we have called off today’s game, not just in Dharamsala but also because of rising tensions from the adjoining nation. Our first concern is the safety of the players, fans, and support personnel. We’ll take every action that will benefit the participating countries. We are keeping a careful eye on the situation and will adjust our judgements as necessary,” he stated.
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