IPL Match Called Off in Dharamshala Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

Dharamshala — Rising tensions between Pakistan and India have begun to affect major sporting events, with Indian authorities calling off the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala.

According to sources, the lights at the stadium were dimmed following reports of an alleged attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir — a claim denied by Pakistani authorities. IPL Governing Council Chairman Arun Dhumal requested spectators to evacuate the stadium after 10 overs had been played, after which the venue was reportedly blacked out completely.

In another precautionary move, the May 11 match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab was relocated from Dharamshala to Hyderabad. The decision was attributed to the closure of Dharamshala airport, which has disrupted team travel and logistics.

The ongoing security concerns have also caused unrest among organizers and international players, casting uncertainty over the remainder of the IPL season.

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Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also taken precautionary steps, reportedly deciding to move the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to Karachi due to the tense situation in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The decision followed a high-level meeting at PCB headquarters in Lahore.

The escalating regional strain is now threatening the stability of two of South Asia’s most prominent cricket tournaments.