IPL 2025: PBKS-DC game called off amid escalating border tensions

IPL 2025: PBKS-DC Game Called Off Amid Escalating Border Tensions

The IPL 2025 fixture between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was called off amid escalating tensions on the India-Pakistan border. The game was stopped at 21:29 IST, with three light towers at the stadium going off, forcing a stoppage in play and then subsequently forcing the players off the field.

The abandonment was due to a "significant technical failure" at the HPCA Stadium. The board's release stated that the power outage in the area caused one of the light towers at the HPCA stadium to malfunction.

Both teams and spectators were evacuated from the HPCA Stadium. The players and coaches had safely boarded buses to the team hotel, shortly after their families had been ferried out around 10 minutes earlier.

The HPCA was asked by the Himachal Pradesh state government to order the evacuation as a precautionary measure. There was no announcement over the PA system, but the local police and the venue operations team requested for a slow evacuation of the stadium.

The development followed news reports of military escalation in Jammu, about 200 kilometres away from Dharamsala.

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal said all future course of action, including a decision on Friday's LSG vs RCB game in Lucknow, will be taken after discussion with the government.

Cricket Australia said it's monitoring the situation, obtaining regular advice and updates from the Australian Government, the PCB, BCCI, and local government authorities, and maintaining communication with their players and support staff currently in the region.