Amid rising security concerns, the highly anticipated match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at Dharamshala has been called off. Authorities made the decision to prioritize the safety of players, staff, and spectators, leading to an immediate evacuation of the stadium. The sudden turn of events unfolded shortly after cricketer Priyansh Arya left the venue and one of the floodlights abruptly shut down, raising alarm bells among organizers and fans alike.
The situation escalated further with reports of Pakistan launching attacks near Pathankot, a city just 85 kilometers from the Dharamshala stadium. The proximity of the conflict zone to the match location added urgency to the decision, as the possibility of spillover incidents could not be ruled out. The atmosphere, which had been filled with excitement, quickly turned tense as news of the nearby strikes broke out.
Compounding the issue, widespread blackouts have been reported across several northern and northeastern states of India. These power outages are believed to be part of a broader precautionary measure, possibly linked to national security protocols. The state of Himachal Pradesh, where Dharamshala is located, is said to have received directives from central authorities to halt the game and prepare for emergency contingencies.
The timing of the floodlight failure—occurring immediately after Arya’s exit—fueled speculation and concern among those present. While it may have been a technical glitch, in the context of the day’s events, the incident was taken seriously and contributed to the swift decision to call off the match. Security personnel moved quickly to ensure the players were escorted to safety, while fans were urged to leave the premises in an orderly manner.
This is what happened at Dharamshala 👇 #IndiaPakistanWar pic.twitter.com/XVYG2pKGss
— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) May 8, 2025
The HPCA stadium is being evacuated quickly!
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) May 8, 2025
Players, spectators and personnel are seen exiting the venue in Dharamsala.
📹: @rvmoorthyhindu
MORE ▶️ https://t.co/6Zvkuvyazt#IPL2025 | #PBKSvsDC pic.twitter.com/7BMvNMmGzw
As the region braces for further developments, the cancellation of the match is seen as a necessary step in light of the broader national security situation. With tension rising along the borders and emergency alerts spreading across several states, the future of upcoming matches in similar locations may be subject to change based on evolving threats. For now, the safety of everyone involved remains the top priority.