Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals IPL Match disrupted in Dharamsala amid rising India-Pakistan tensions

The IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala came to an unexpected halt on Thursday evening. The interruption occurred after a couple of floodlight towers suddenly went off, raising concerns among spectators and players.

While the match had begun with high energy — with Punjab Kings getting a flying start through openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh — the sudden darkness disrupted the flow of the game. PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer had earlier won the toss and made a rare decision to bat first — something not seen at this venue since 2011.

Soon after the blackout, confusion spread in the stadium. Broadcasters referred to it as a “technical failure.” However, murmurs off the field hinted at a more serious backdrop. “We are hearing reports of heavy shelling in Jammu and surrounding areas as India-Pakistan tensions rise post 'Operation Sindoor',” one commentator noted.

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This unexpected situation has sparked speculation about whether the power failure was just a technical glitch or something intentional. No official confirmation has been provided yet. Local authorities, meanwhile, instructed the public to vacate the stadium premises quietly and without panic. It should be noted that Dharamshala is at four to five hours distance from Pathankot, where there is some unrest.

Security at the venue was increased, and crowd control was managed with the help of police and ground staff. The players were moved off the field, and team dugouts remained under watch.

Despite the match being a key fixture — with Punjab Kings aiming to secure their playoff spot and Delhi Capitals desperately needing a win to stay in the race — safety concerns quickly overtook the excitement. DC currently holds the fifth position with 13 points, while PBKS is closer to sealing a place in the top four.

The sudden power cut and its possible connection to national security concerns have cast a shadow over what was expected to be a thrilling encounter. Whether the game will resume or be rescheduled remains unclear.

As things stand, cricket fans await further updates, both on the condition of the match and the broader situation surrounding the reported tensions. The focus, at least for now, has shifted from the cricket pitch to what lies beyond it.