India-Pakistan Tensions Force IPL Match Venue Change

The IPL match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians has been relocated from Dharamshala to Ahmedabad amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The decision was made due to logistical challenges and security concerns.

The Indian Premier League match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, scheduled for Sunday, May 11, has been relocated from Dharamshala's HPCA Stadium to Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. 

The decision was made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid security concerns and logistical challenges following 'Operation Sindoor' by the Indian Army against terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

This operation led to the closure of several airports, including those in Dharamshala, Jammu, and Chandigarh, prompting the venue change. Ahmedabad was chosen over Mumbai as the new venue to provide a neutral ground for both teams. The match will start at 3:30 PM IST as originally planned. Punjab Kings are expected to travel to Ahmedabad via New Delhi for the game.

It's worth noting that not all Punjab Kings matches in Dharamshala have been affected. The team's match against Delhi Capitals, scheduled for May 8, will still take place at the HPCA Stadium as planned.

Pakistan claims to have shot down 25 drones from India overnight amid ongoing tensions, denying any involvement in the Kashmir violence. The incident has affected air traffic in the region, particularly at Dharamshala's Gaggal Kangra Airport.

Dharamshala airport, known for its picturesque views of the Himalayas, had to cancel flights due to the closure of airspace. “With the airport in Dharamsala closed, it would have been a huge logistical challenge for everyone involved,” said Devajit Saikia, BCCI secretary, highlighting the disruption caused by the airport's shutdown.

Other airports in the region, including Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, and Kandla, were also shut, resulting in flight cancellations at Delhi airport. The closure of these airports has caused significant logistical issues for airlines and passengers alike.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has relocated the IPL match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians to Ahmedabad “Purely due to logistical reasons, we've decided to move the match to Ahmedabad,” said Devajit Saikia, BCCI secretary.

Despite ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, the foreign players in the IPL have shown no signs of apprehension about continuing their participation in the tournament. The IPL's success in attracting top talent is due in part to its lucrative contracts and high-profile team owners. The tournament is known for its ability to bring together the world's best cricketers, and it seems that the current situation has not deterred them.

“They are quite comfortable. Everyone in the league is comfortable,” Saikia said.

“The safety and security of every player - be it a local player or a foreigner - every match official and every fan is important for us.

“We have the clearance of every single authority.”

India and Pakistan haven't played bilateral cricket in years, with matches between the two teams limited to multi-team events and neutral venues. Pakistan players aren't part of the Indian Premier League due to this cricketing rift.

Meanwhile, a Pakistan Super League match in Rawalpindi was postponed hours before its scheduled start, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two nations. The fragile security situation and heightened tensions have impacted cricketing activities on both sides of the border.

🚨 VENUE UPDATE FOR IPL 2025🚨

- Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings match likely to be shifted to DY Patil Stadium or Brabourne Stadium from Dharmasala. [News18 Cricket] pic.twitter.com/0jCqs2ABpY

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 7, 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that more Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches will likely be rescheduled due to the current situation. "The PCB is reviewing the situation and will be rescheduling some of the PSL matches. Further updates will be provided as matters are finalized."

Some English cricketers participating in the PSL are reportedly considering returning home amid escalating tensions. According to British media reports, the safety concerns have prompted these players to reassess their involvement in the league.

Meanwhile, the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals is scheduled to proceed as planned at Dharamshala later on Thursday. This development comes as a contrast to the PSL matches being rescheduled due to the prevailing situation.