Panic at Dharamsala stadium as fans evacuated amid military escalation: WATCH

Spectators leave after the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abandoned due to a significant technical failure (Pic: AFP)

The ongoing IPL 2025 fixture between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was on Thursday abruptly called off midway through the first innings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala due to escalating cross-border hostilities between India and Pakistan.

Initially delayed by an hour owing to persistent rain, the match eventually commenced under overcast skies. However, just as the contest was gaining momentum, it was halted following a reported drone strike launched by Pakistan targeting Indian territory. In the wake of this development, match officials suspended play, which was later officially abandoned on security grounds.

Before the interruption, Punjab Kings, having opted to bat first, displayed dominant intent. Openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya took charge from the outset, smashing aggressive half-centuries and putting Delhi's bowling attack on the back foot. The pair stitched together a blistering 122-run stand in just 10.1 overs.

However, the tone of the evening shifted dramatically soon after Priyansh Arya's dismissal. One of the stadium's floodlights unexpectedly shut down, followed shortly by two additional towers losing power. Moments later, match officials, players, and support staff vacated the field. Meanwhile, unsettling movement in the stands began to draw attention.

Authorities soon confirmed that fans inside the stadium were being urgently evacuated. This decision was prompted by reports of a drone strike in the Pathankot region of Jammu and Kashmir, located approximately 80 kilometers from the venue in Dharamsala. Given the proximity of the attack and the heightened state of alert, security agencies acted swiftly to ensure the safety of spectators and players.

What was intended to be a high-octane contest between two playoff-contending teams thus ended prematurely under exceptional and distressing circumstances. The abandonment has significant implications for the IPL standings, particularly for Punjab Kings, who were in strong form and had the opportunity to cement a top spot.