Dharamshala is set to host PBKS' match against DC and MI |courtesy - BCCI/IPL
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- PBKS' next two IPL matches are under a cloud
- Several Indian airports have been closed till Saturday
- The PBKS and DC teams are already in Dharamshala
The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to be affected following Operation Sindoor as India attacked terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) in the aftermath of the cruel Pahalgam Terrorist attacks.
Post the air strikes conducted in a joint operation by the Indian army and air force, several Indian airports in high-alert zones such as Dharamshala, Bikaner, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Gwalior, Kisangarh, Srinagar, and Jammu have been closed for a few days.
Over the next few days, the scenic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Assocation (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala is set to host two games with PBKS set to play the Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the city on Thursday (May 8) and Sunday (May 11).
While the Capitals and Kings are already in Dharamshala, the match is now under serious doubt with only a day left for the game. Sources have told TimesNow that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are in touch with the Indian government. The close proximity of the Kangra district to the border is a major issue with concerns over using floodlights, which will could help Pakistan.
'Cannot give Pakistan an easy target with 25,000 people in the stadium in Dharamshala (with floodlights on). Better safe than sorry is what BCCI's approach is,' the source further informed TimesNow.
PBKS-MI Headed Towards Venue Change
The bigger concern comes from the PBKS-MI match scheduled on Sunday as the Hardik Pandya-led side faces a logistical challenge to travel to Dharamshala due to the airport in the city being closed, as well as nearby airports like Amritsar and Chandigarh.
Times Now has learnt that the match is likely to be shifted to Mumbai, or the date could be rescheduled depending on the team's preference, due to the hectic travel schedules.
The BCCI will have to take a quick call on the dates and venue for both matches with just 11 days remaining for the league stage to end.
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