IPL 2025: BCCI arranges special train to evacuate PBKS, DC players and officials from Dharamsala amid escalating border tensions

In a groundbreaking decision, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) orchestrated a special Vande Bharat train to transport players from Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and the entire broadcast crew from Dharamshala to Delhi. This decision was made due to the current situation in the state and the logistical challenges that arose after the sudden cancellation of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match between the two teams.

A source within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed that approximately 300 individuals, including players, support staff, and broadcasters, will be boarding the high-speed train to ensure a safe and efficient journey.

“We are organising a special train from Una which is not far from Dharamsala to bring everybody home safely. As of now the match has been called off and the stadium has been evacuated. We will take a call on the tournament’s future depending on the situation tomorrow. As of now, players’ safety is utmost important," BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said in a statement.

“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’s wise to call off the game," said Dhumal to IANS from Dharamshala.

This development follows the unfortunate incident on Thursday night at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, where the highly anticipated PBKS vs. DC match was called off due to a floodlight failure.

Recent reports indicate that Pakistan launched eight missiles towards Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia, all of which were successfully intercepted and neutralized by Indian air defense units. Explosions were heard as Indian air defense thwarted Pakistani drone attacks in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in Jaisalmer. Blackouts have been implemented in Bikaner, Rajasthan, Jalandhar, Punjab, Kishtwar, Akhnoor, Samba, Jammu, and Amritsar.

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India executed Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK through precise strikes. India has also warned that any assault on military installations will be met with a fitting retaliation.

Spectators were promptly notified of the cancellation and asked to leave the premises, while both teams were escorted back to their hotel. Shortly after, Punjab Kings confirmed the news through their official social media account, announcing that the match had been called off.

Following the cancellation, fans were observed exiting the stadium with chants of "Pakistan murdabad" slogans. At the time of the stoppage, the PBKS team had scored 122/1 in 10.1 overs, with Prabhsimran Singh (50*) and Shreyas Iyer (0*) remaining at the crease.

Regarding the match itself, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bat first. Batsmen Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh opened the innings for the hosts, displaying an aggressive approach from the outset. Arya reached his half-century in just 25 balls, while Singh achieved his fourth consecutive fifty in IPL 2025, completing his half-century in 28 balls.

Also read| IPL 2025: Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala called off amid escalating border tensions