Dharamsala, May 8, 2025: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abruptly called off on Thursday due to a “technical failure” at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, according to an official statement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Punjab Kings were batting in the first innings when three of the stadium’s floodlight towers went out, forcing players off the field. The disruption occurred after openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh had given Punjab a strong start with a 122-run partnership. Arya had scored a blistering 70 off 34 balls before being dismissed by T Natarajan, just before the match was halted.
Indian media initially reported that local authorities had instructed teams and spectators to evacuate the stadium shortly after the blackout. Both teams were later seen boarding their buses and returning to their hotels.
While early speculation pointed to possible security concerns, the BCCI clarified in an official statement that the cancellation was due to a significant technical issue. “Due to a power outage in the area, one of the light towers at the HPCA Stadium malfunctioned. BCCI regrets the inconvenience caused to in-stadium attendees,” the statement read.
This marks the second disruption involving the Punjab Kings at the Dharamsala venue in a week. Sunday’s match against Mumbai Indians had already been relocated to Ahmedabad.
Flight operations at several Indian airports, including Dharamsala, have also been suspended, raising further logistical challenges. “With the airport in Dharamsala closed, it would have been a huge logistical challenge for everyone involved,” BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told a foreign media outlet.
