IPL Player reveals scary moments after sudden blackout in Dharamsala during PBKS vs DC

The IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was called off midway at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Thursday, May 8. A player from one of the franchises revealed that players were instructed to return to their hotels immediately after a sudden blackout at the stadium.

Security concerns led to the cancellation of the 58th match in the IPL 2025 season. Spectators were ordered to evacuate, and players, along with support staff, were safely escorted out. Amid growing fears of an attack, some worried that the stadium could be targeted as India-Pakistan tensions escalated.

We Were Told About Attacks in Nearby Pathankot - Player

The match was called off around 9:35 PM in the 11th over due to a sudden power outage. While it was initially thought to be a floodlight malfunction, the blackout coincided with news of aerial attacks in nearby Pathankot, just 90 kilometers away.

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At the time, Punjab were cruising at 122/1 in 10.1 overs. Players were immediately instructed to return to their hotels, and Delhi Capitals players boarded the Punjab team bus and vice versa. The attack led to a sense of panic within both camps.

“We were told about attacks in nearby Pathankot. We are asked to go back to the hotel immediately. There was some panic… Delhi Capitals were seated in the Punjab team bus and vice versa," a player was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

IPL 2025 Match in Dharamsala Halted After HPCA Receives Call from Top Cricket Official

Amid cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, the BCCI is reportedly considering changes to the IPL 2025 schedule, including the possibility of a temporary suspension.

According to The Indian Express, the governing body is exploring all options in response to growing security concerns nationwide.

The match in Dharamsala was halted after the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association received a call from a top cricket official. The floodlights were switched off and the IPL chairman, Arun Dhumal, was seen signaling to spectators to evacuate. Players from both teams were quickly escorted to their hotel as a precaution.

The BCCI Is Trying Its Best To Ensure Everyone Is Safe - Rajeev Shukla

Due to airport closures in the region, the BCCI is exploring alternative options to ensure the safety of the IPL 2025 teams. One possibility being considered is arranging for the teams to travel to Delhi by train.

The BCCI is committed to prioritizing the safety of all players, with assurances given to overseas cricketers that their travel preferences will be accommodated if they wish to leave.

“We are trying to see if we can get the teams to Delhi by train. The BCCI is trying its best to ensure everyone is safe," Shukla said.

The BCCI is in talks with other cricket boards to assess the situation and guarantee the safety of all players. Meanwhile, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, which was scheduled to host a match next week, received a bomb threat via email, further intensifying security concerns.

Also read: BCCI's IPL 2025 plan leaked; tournament's future marked