Media365
Geopolitical tensions spilled into the world of cricket on Thursday evening after the IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala was called off midway due to escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. In a rapid response, players, support staff, and spectators were asked to evacuate the stadium immediately.Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag, known for his outspoken views, took to social media shortly after the incident, posting:Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“War has been chosen by Pakistan when they had an opportunity to keep quiet. They have escalated to save its terrorist assets, speaks so much about them. Our forces will reply in the most appropriate manner—a manner Pakistan will never forget.”The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) swiftly moved into action following the sudden suspension of the game. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla confirmed that arrangements had been made to safely evacuate players and officials from the region.It is understood that players from both franchises have safely returned to their hotel and at the time of reporting, were notified of a special train to evacuate them from the city. Sources close to the teams reveal that unease had already crept in earlier in the day, with security concerns looming large over the fixture.Adding to the uncertainty, both teams had already reached Dharamsala before the closure of nearby airports, which left their exit from the region in limbo until a special train was arranged.With panic temporarily gripping the IPL, the BCCI now faces the challenge of reassessing the schedule and possibly relocating fixtures, depending on how the situation unfolds in the next 24 hours. The status of the league itself is unclear during this time.
