The Indian Premier League has hit a roadblock after Thursday’s match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abandoned due to air strike alerts in nearby Jammu and Pathankot. The decision has raised concerns about the league’s future.
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal said the league is reviewing the situation and waiting for government guidance before making a decision. The match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore is still scheduled for Friday.
Uncertain Future
The abandonment of the match has sparked uncertainty about the league’s continuation. Dhumal said, “We’re assessing the situation. It’s a developing story. We haven’t received any instructions from the government. We’ll make a decision considering all the logistics.”
The teams were playing at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala when the match was stopped. Punjab Kings were 122/1 in 10.1 overs. The players and staff were evacuated from the stadium as a precautionary measure.
Evacuation and Next Steps
The players and staff will now travel to Pathankot by road and then take a special train to Delhi. The nearby airports, including the one in Dharamshala, have been closed as a precautionary measure.
The situation is being closely monitored, and a decision about the league’s future will be made soon. The Indian armed forces recently conducted precision missile strikes against terrorist targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Safety Concerns
The IPL schedule has already been affected by the recent events. The match between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings was shifted from Dharamshala to Ahmedabad. The safety of the players and staff is the top priority, and the league administrators are working to ensure their well-being.
The spectators were safely evacuated from the stadium, and there were no reports of panic. Some fans shouted anti-Pakistan slogans as they left the stadium. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.