The Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal on Thursday confirmed that government directives are being awaited before deciding on the future of the ongoing season amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. As things stand, Friday's fixture between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take place as planned, Dhumal said.
IPL 2025's future is in serious doubt after Thursday's match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was called off midway following air raid alerts in nearby cities of Jammu and Pathankot. Following the abandonment in Dharamsala, players and support staff of both teams will be transported to Delhi via a special train from Pathankot, located about 85 km from the hill town.
READ HERE | Pakistan targets military stations at Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur
The teams will travel to Pathankot by road as Dharamsala's lone airport, along with the ones in neighbouring Kangra and Chandigarh, are currently closed as part of precautionary measures to thwart potential Pakistani attacks.
🇮🇳🫡 pic.twitter.com/3tpsuXEGmb
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 8, 2025
"We are reviewing the situation right now. It is an evolving situation. We haven't received any directive from the government. Obviously the decision will be taken keeping all the logistics in mind," Dhumal told news agency PTI.
Asked about Friday's game in Lucknow, he said: "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."
ALSO READ | Jammu blackout: India guns down Pakistani drone outside airport, say eyewitnesses
Thursday's match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was stopped when the home team was on 122/1 in 10.1 overs when the lights went out which at first was attributed to floodlight failure. The game started later than scheduled due to rain before the hill town went dark due to the blackout. The teams and the spectators were eventually evacuated from the stadium for their security. The capacity of the picturesque ground here is approximately 23,000 and it was packed to about 80 per cent of it at the time of evacuation.
