IPL cheerleader's nightmare in Dharamshala: 'It was terrifying'

The electrifying energy at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in Dharamshala came to a grinding halt on Thursday evening as the 58th match of IPL 2025 between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abruptly cancelled. The lights went out mid-game, floodlights failed, and chaos erupted as security forces began evacuating thousands from the stadium.

Cheerleader at dharamsala during ipl match explaining the situation due to which the game was called off. She looks frightened pic.twitter.com/eJyvQcWO5e

— Mustafa (@mustafamasood0) May 8, 2025

IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals cancelled last night amid Indo-Pak war

The cause? A national emergency response triggered by Pakistani drone and missile attacks on Indian territories including Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan. As the situation escalated, blackout protocols were enforced and panic spread. The most chilling account came from an IPL cheerleader whose first-hand video from the darkened stadium has gone viral across social media.

IPL cheerleader describes the terror she felt

Describing the moment of terror, she said the crowd went from cheering to chaos within seconds. “Everyone was screaming that bombs were coming,” she recalled, adding that she was too shocked to cry, still hoping the IPL organisers would ensure their safety.

Absolutely Terrifying

Cheerleader's Jaw-dropping video from #DCvsPBKS IPL Match in #Dharamshala.

The Question Is,
-- Why are the Lives of Thousands of People being put at Risk❓
Why hasn't the IPL been Stopped Yet❓#IPL #IndiaPakistanWar #OperationSindoor #IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/Z9mXxdl8lZ

— তন্ময় l T͞anmoy l (@tanmoyofc) May 8, 2025

Before the match was interrupted, Punjab Kings were cruising at 122 for 1, with Priyansh Arya hammering 70 off 34 balls and Prabhsimran Singh contributing a 50 off 28. However, as captain Shreyas Iyer took his place at the crease, the lights suddenly failed, prompting emergency procedures.

All fans were safely evacuated: IPL officials

According to officials, all players and fans were safely evacuated. The two teams are expected to be transported to Delhi via a special flight from Pathankot, located 85 kilometres from Dharamshala.

Sources close to the IPL revealed that several international players are now considering exiting the tournament as military tensions grow. IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal stated that the situation was under constant review, with government advisories awaited before deciding on the league’s future.

Operation Sindoor

India’s retaliation against the Pakistani strikes, launched under ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeted terror camps in Islamabad, Lahore, and PoK. Reports suggest that at least 150 militants were neutralised. In response to Thursday’s Pakistani aggression, India is said to have downed an F-16 fighter jet over Rajasthan.

Meanwhile, blackouts were enforced across multiple cities including Srinagar, Amritsar, and Bhuj, underscoring the gravity of the crisis. While the military confirmed no casualties, the psychological impact on civilians, especially at the IPL venue, has become the internet’s latest focal point.