Historic Evacuation at IPL Match Amid Security Concerns

Unprecedented Evacuation at HPCA Stadium

In a first for the Indian Premier League, the HPCA Stadium experienced a complete evacuation as floodlights were turned off following reports of air strikes from Pakistan affecting various northern Indian cities.

Spectators being evacuated. Deepankar Sharda

The match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was halted during the 11th over of the first innings. Organizers initially attributed the interruption to a technical issue with the floodlights, but the timing raised suspicions. The match was abruptly stopped as news of attacks on air bases in Jammu, Pathankot, and Jalandhar emerged, leading to two of the four floodlights being dimmed before a complete blackout.

Franchise owners were the first to exit the stadium, followed closely by the players and then the spectators. A mock drill had been conducted prior to the match, highlighting the preparedness for such emergencies.

Nearby roads were congested with vehicles as fans attempted to leave the area.

Prior to the disruption, the match had been delayed by rain, with Punjab Kings in a strong position at 121/1 after 10.1 overs. Priyansh Arya had scored an impressive 70 runs off 34 balls, while Prabhsimran Singh contributed 50 runs off 28 balls.

The situation escalated when Arya was dismissed, and shortly after, the floodlights were dimmed, leading to the evacuation and plunging the stadium into darkness.

Match Relocation Announced

Before the match was officially called off, rumors circulated about the May 11 game between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians being moved to Ahmedabad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later confirmed this change due to the closure of Gaggal and Chandigarh airports.

The IPL managing committee stated, 'IPL Match No. 61 between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, originally scheduled to be played in Dharamsala on Sunday, May 11, has been relocated to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad due to logistical challenges.'

This latest development raises concerns about the future of the league.