On May 8, the IPL 2025 match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was abruptly interrupted after just 10.1 overs had been bowled, with PBKS having made 122 runs in their first innings. The match was called off with fans, players, and officials looking stunned at the abruptness of the decision, and a cheerleader's disbelief was recorded in a viral social media clip. Just as play was shaping up for a promising finish, the call to end the match may have been premature.

The match was stopped owing to heightened security concerns due to regional geopolitics. It had closed down the nearby airports - in Dharamsala, Amritsar, and Chandigarh - that would have otherwise provided access to traveling IPL teams, including the Mumbai Indians, who were due to arrive for a later match. The BCCI, acting on the safety protocols, had evacuated the ground and arranged for special trains from Una to remove players, staff, and broadcast teams out of Dharamsala. The BCCI would announce the following day if it was able to resume the IPL and made it clear that players' safety was a line item and there was no room for compromise. The crowd's frustration had been eased with PBKS's strong start of 122 in 10.1 overs.

Fans’ Resilience and Enhanced Security Measures Amid Uncertainty

Supporters showed an indomitable spirit when the military personnel evacuated the stadium due to a missile attack warning near Dharamsala and Pathankot. The fans, who were not alarmed, left the venue in an uproarious moment, chanting their patriotic slogans of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" as it resonated loudly around the neighboring hills. This spirit of fearless and resilient pride in the nation encompassed them in solidarity. The courage of the fans informed how they energetically left and chanted "Jai Hind" and "Vande Mataram," turning the moment of unpleasantness into moments of floral national pride.

Watch the videos here

This is what happened at Dharamshala 👇 #IndiaPakistanWar pic.twitter.com/XVYG2pKGss

— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) May 8, 2025

As authorities evacuate the stadium after a missile attack near Dharamshala & Pathankot, fans leave with heads held high. 🇮🇳No fear. Just pride. Bharat Mata Ki Jai echoes through the hills. 🙏

Jai Hind, Vande Mataram! pic.twitter.com/31UDWtJXxX

— Cricket Addictor (@AddictorCricket) May 8, 2025

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After the IPL commenced, it was clear the BCCI had already implemented rigorous security measures after the Pahalgam terrorist attack earlier this season. The Vajra Super Shot - an anti-drone system able to detect and neutralize threats within a four-kilometer range—was acquired to secure the stadiums. Despite the IPL's implementation of enhanced security measures, the cancellation in Dharamsala illustrates major challenges in planning, organizing, and hosting a tournament with uncertainties existing outside of such an event. We have already witnessed doubt towards the BCCI and their planning for contingencies if situations such as this occurred.