Arun Dhumal, chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has stated that whilst the tournament is currently ongoing, its future depends on guidance from the government amidst rising border tensions between India and Pakistan. “It is on as of now,” Dhumal affirmed, whilst noting that the situation is constantly developing.
“We are reviewing the situation right now. It is an evolving situation. We haven’t received any directive from the government. Obviously, the decision will be taken keeping all the logistics in mind,” Dhumal shared with PTI following the unexpected termination of the Punjab Kings versus Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala. The game was abandoned after 10.1 overs due to a “significant technical failure,” as declared by the IPL.
Attention now turns to the next scheduled match on Friday between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Lucknow. Dhumal reiterated, “Yes, it is on as of now, but obviously it is an evolving situation and any decision will be taken keeping the best interest of all stakeholders in mind.”
The Kerala match’s abandonment has prompted the relocation of team members from both franchises; they will travel to Delhi by a special train from Pathankot. The teams are completing the remaining journey from Dharamsala to Pathankot by road due to the closure of local airports in Dharamsala, Kangra, and Chandigarh as part of India’s precautionary measures.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, 58 matches have been completed including the Dharamsala abandonment. Twelve games remain in the group stages at venues including Lucknow, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Jaipur, followed by playoffs set for Hyderabad and Kolkata.
