Shimla, May 9
Tensions escalated sharply along the Indo-Pak border on Thursday evening following an alleged aerial and drone strike by Pakistan in Jammu. In swift response, authorities in Himachal Pradesh ordered the immediate cancellation of the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, being held at Dharamshala’s HPCA Stadium.
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The match, which was already underway amid heightened security, was abruptly halted mid-way. Emergency protocols were activated, with evacuation gates flung open to safely facilitate the exit of thousands of spectators. Floodlights at the stadium were switched off as a precautionary measure against potential aerial threats. As crowds exited, slogans condemning Pakistan echoed through the arena, reflecting the nation’s rising anger over the attack.
HPCA spokesperson Mohit Sood confirmed the cancellation, noting that while there was no direct threat to the event, intelligence inputs linked to the Jammu attack and its proximity to Pathankot — close to Himachal’s Kangra district — prompted immediate administrative action.
Though Himachal Pradesh does not share a direct border with Pakistan, its geographic proximity to militancy-prone Jammu and Kashmir and its shared boundary with China in the Lahaul-Spiti region makes it a strategically sensitive zone during any cross-border conflict.
Earlier in the evening, the match had begun with a solemn tribute to victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, adding to the tense atmosphere. Security had been significantly ramped up, with commandos deployed across the stadium, including in the stands and media boxes.
Following India’s retaliatory strikes in “Operation Sindoor” targeting terror camps across the Line of Control, the IPL match scheduled for May 11 in Dharamshala has been shifted to Mumbai. Organizers confirmed that future fixtures in the hill town are now under review, subject to further security assessments.
While no Pakistani players are part of the IPL, the presence of Afghan players in the league has drawn added attention amid the rising regional tensions.
At around 10 p.m. on Thursday, the administration enforced a full blackout in Dharamshala town as the match, which was being played under floodlights, was officially abandoned. Many fans, who had traveled from across North India to witness the game, were forced to spend the night in their vehicles due to the blackout and emergency measures.
According to sources, the state administration had withheld security clearance for the match since Thursday morning. IPL organizers revealed that international players had initially opposed shifting the match to Mumbai. However, given the security concerns and Dharamshala’s proximity to Pathankot, the state government and BCCI officials jointly decided it was unfeasible to continue hosting matches in the region.
Meanwhile, the recent summer showers have brought pleasant weather to Shimla, Dharamshala, and Manali, drawing a large influx of tourists. With intense heatwave conditions in the plains of Punjab prompting school closures, many youth and families have sought refuge in the hill stations — drawn both by the cool climate and, until now, the cricketing excitement of the IPL. However, the volatile border situation has cast a shadow over what was expected to be a thriving tourist and sports season in Himachal Pradesh.
Moreover reports also indicate that IPL may be cancelled in the country due to the ongoing conflict between the two Nations. ” It does not look nice that cricket goes on while the country is at war,” stated a BCCL official to a news agency.
