In response to the situation, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu convened a high-level security meeting in Shimla
Pic: IPL/X
The temporary suspension of operations at Dharamsala airport following India's precision missile strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan around midnight on Tuesday has thrown the IPL 2025 teams' travel schedules into disarray.
Dharamsala, slated to host the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match on Thursday, is also scheduled to stage another key fixture on May 11 between PBKS and Mumbai Indians. However, the logistics around both matches are now under considerable strain.
Mid-Day has learnt that Mumbai Indians’ travel itinerary remains uncertain amid the ongoing airport closure. Additionally, the Punjab Kings' training session ahead of their upcoming clash with Delhi Capitals may also be disrupted due to these developments.
In the early hours of Wednesday, the Indian armed forces conducted precision missile strikes on nine terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Among the targets were known strongholds of the terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke.
Amid the escalating security concerns, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is closely liaising with the central government to assess the feasibility of proceeding with the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, PTI reported. Interestingly, BCCI insiders revealed that the upcoming Mumbai Indians match would not be held at their home ground, the Wankhede Stadium.
“Everything is fluid at the moment. Discussions are on with franchises and they are also internally discussing about what are the options of travelling from Dharamsala to Delhi in case the airport remains shut,” a BCCI official told PTI under the condition of anonymity. “One option (for Delhi Capitals) remains bus journey but then it is not just about teams but also the broadcast crew and equipment. It's an evolving situation,” he added.
Given Dharamsala’s proximity, just 60 km, to the India-Pakistan border, there are serious safety concerns surrounding the congregation of over 20,000 spectators under floodlights in a tense geopolitical climate.
In response to the situation, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu convened a high-level security meeting in Shimla. “We are proud of the Indian Army and the people of Himachal Pradesh stand with the India Army and the country for giving a befitting reply to the terrorists who killed innocent people in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir," he stated.
District officials, including deputy commissioners and superintendents of police, particularly in border regions, have been instructed to remain on high alert. Sukhu added that security infrastructure and intelligence mechanisms would be reinforced.
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