The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala was called off on Thursday evening due to security concerns following incidents reported in Jammu and surrounding areas. IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed the development to IANS.
“Yes, the match has been called off as a precautionary step, because there are some incidents which happened in Jammu, I believe. That’s what we got to know, so we thought it was wise to call off the game,” said Dhumal.
The decision to suspend play was initially signalled when the stadium floodlights were switched off. At the time, Punjab Kings were cruising at 122/1 in 10.1 overs, with opener Priyansh Arya scoring a blistering 70 and Prabhsimran Singh unbeaten on 50.
Both teams were safely evacuated from the stadium by tournament officials and local authorities amid heightened security alerts. The situation escalated following reports of drone and missile attacks from Pakistan in Jammu, prompting a full blackout across the city. Similar blackouts were also reported in Baramulla, Pathankot, and Chandigarh.
The match, which began after a one-hour delay, saw a dominant opening stand from PBKS. Arya set the tone early, smashing Mitchell Starc for back-to-back boundaries, while Prabhsimran followed with three of his own. The pair took the team to 69/0 at the end of the powerplay and added 122 runs for the first wicket.
Arya brought up his half-century off just 25 balls and continued to attack, hitting Kuldeep Yadav for two towering sixes. Prabhsimran soon reached his fourth consecutive fifty off 28 deliveries.
The opening stand was finally broken when Arya attempted to slog T. Natarajan, only to top-edge the ball to short third man. Immediately after, floodlight failure halted play, and moments later, the game was officially called off.
IANS