Indo-Pak hostilities have escalated and there are serious concerns over the ongoing IPL 2025 season. On Thursday, in IPL 2025 , PBKS vs DC was called off midway in Dharamshala, and Pakistan also launched drone and missile attacks, targeting several military sites. According to reports, India successfully neutralised all attempts.
The situation has led to the PSL shifting the tournament officially to Dubai due to safety concerns. As PSL have already picked Dubai as their alternative venue, there is a chance that the IPL could select South Africa. South Africa have hosted the IPL in the past in the year 2009
PBKS vs DC match called off in IPL 2025 due to hostile situation bteween India and Pakistan
The IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abandoned midway due to air raid alerts in Jammu and Pathankot, casting doubt over the rest of the tournament.
10.1 overs were bowled after Punjab won the toss and chose to bat. When the first floodlight went out, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh had put up 122 runs for the first wicket. The broadcasters cut to the commentary box without explaining why the match was suspended. The official note from the IPL organisers at the time stated that the floodlights had failed.
On the status of Friday’s fixture, Arun Dhumal IPL Chairman added:
“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.”
Following the abandonment in Dharamsala, players and staff from both teams are being moved to Delhi via a special train from Pathankot, roughly 85 km away. The teams will travel to Pathankot by road. Airports in Dharamsala, Kangra, and Chandigarh remain closed as a security precaution against potential threats.
Australian players and coaches featuring in India and Pakistan’s T20 leagues have been plunged into uncertainty amid escalating military tensions between the neighbouring countries.
Australia cricketers in IPL 2025 ‘ready to leave’ India as Indo-Pak tensions escalate, worried for safety
Cricket Australia issued a statement, saying it was closely monitoring the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan on Friday, with several of its players and coaches currently participating in the Indian Premier League.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation in Pakistan and India, including obtaining regular advice and updates from the Australian Government, the PCB, BCCI and local government authorities, and maintaining communication with our players and support staff currently in the region,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal said on Thursday that the BCCI was awaiting government directives before making a call on the continuation of the league amid the military standoff with Pakistan.
“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 told PTI. However, he confirmed that Friday’s match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru would go ahead “as of now
According to reports, many foreign players, especially from Australia, are looking for ways to return back to their home country. A report at The Sydney Morning Herald stated,
“According to several player agents, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, a growing number of Australian players have expressed anxiety over their safety. Many are ready to leave India as soon as possible, particularly those based near sensitive border areas.”
In the ongoing IPL 2025 season, Aussies like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head are in action. Meanwhile, Aussie coaches Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin are also there.
Meanwhile, PBKS head coach Ponting said in yesterday’s broadcast,
“We’re not sure where we’re going at the moment … there’s been some talk about Ahmedabad and some talk about Jaipur, but we’re only really worried about tonight’s match.”
“You know, there’s been a fair bit happening the last few days and we’re just trying to make sure we focus on our performance here,” he added.
With the PSL to resume in the UAE, South Africa has been reported as a possible alternate venue for the remaining 16 IPL matches (12 home-and-away games and four finals). Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals are in a bit of trouble in terms of qualification for the playoffs of the Indian Premier League after their game got abandoned.
Australians at IPL 2025
Chennai Super Kings: Nathan Ellis
Delhi Capitals: Mitch Starc, Jake Fraser-McGurk
Kolkata Knight Riders: Spencer Johnson
Lucknow Super Giants: Justin Langer , Mitchell Marsh
Punjab Kings: Ricky Ponting , Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell , Mitch Owen, Josh Inglis , Aaron Hardie , Xavier Bartlett
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Josh Hazlewood , Tim David
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Pat Cummins , Travis Head , Adam Zampa
The IPL 2025 clash between PBKS and DC had been called off due to floodlight failure at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday. The Kings, whose side had featured two of their five Australians – Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis – shared a point with Delhi and remain handily placed in third on the table.