The IPL 2025 showdown between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala ended abruptly after just 10.1 overs. As the cricketing world tuned in for a high-octane clash, rising border tensions between India and Pakistan cast a shadow on the sport. At 21:29 IST, the HPCA Stadium plunged into darkness when three floodlight towers failed simultaneously, halting play and leading to an eventual evacuation of players and fans.
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Power Outage Follows Explosive Start
Punjab Kings had chosen to bat and launched an all-out assault on Delhi’s bowling attack. Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh opened with relentless aggression, hammering 122 runs off just 61 balls. Arya brought up his third fifty-plus score of the season in just 25 deliveries, while Prabhsimran added another feather to his cap by becoming the first uncapped player in IPL history to score four consecutive half-centuries.
Moreover, the duo took apart pacers Mitchell Starc and Dushmantha Chameera early on. After the powerplay, they targeted Kuldeep Yadav, smashing two sixes and two boundaries in one over. Eventually, Arya top-edged a slower bouncer from T Natarajan and perished for 70. However, before the new batter could settle in, the stadium lights shut down, cutting short the momentum and excitement.
Authorities Act Swiftly Amid Mounting Concerns
Soon after the blackout, local authorities stepped in. Although the public address system made no formal announcements, police officers and venue staff moved through the stands, advising fans to evacuate slowly and calmly. “There is no rush or panic… the cops came and asked everyone to move slowly towards the exits,” a team source informed Cricbuzz.
Meanwhile, team managements quickly arranged for players and their families to leave the venue. Within minutes, buses transported everyone back to their hotels, ensuring safety without sparking fear.
BCCI Responds with Urgency
Shortly after the incident, the BCCI issued an official statement acknowledging the cause behind the disruption. “Due to a power outage in the area, one of the light towers at the HPCA stadium malfunctioned. BCCI regrets the inconvenience caused to the in-stadium attendees,” read the statement.
In response to the broader security risks and logistical concerns, BCCI officials immediately convened a high-level meeting. They decided to arrange a special train from Una station, scheduled for post 9 AM, to move all players, families, broadcasters, and crew to Delhi.
Developments Beyond Cricket Cast Long Shadows
Interestingly, the floodlight failure occurred just hours after news broke of military escalation in Jammu, around 200 kilometers away. Though Dharamsala had not yet enforced any blackout or curfew, the state government had already issued precautionary directives. Consequently, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) received orders to evacuate the stadium as a preventive measure.
As a result, the match – already delayed by rain and starting at 8:30 PM IST – ended in abandonment. Although fans expressed disappointment, the calm and well-managed evacuation received praise.
“The Punjab Kings v Delhi Capitals match (Match#58) in Tata IPL was forced to be abandoned due to a significant technical failure at the HPCA stadium in Dharamsala,” reiterated the official IPL statement.
Next Fixtures Shift to Safer Grounds
Given the circumstances, BCCI had earlier in the day moved Punjab Kings’ next home game against Mumbai Indians (scheduled for May 11) from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad. Simultaneously, Delhi Capitals will now face Gujarat Titans in the national capital on the same day.
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FAQs
The match stopped after 10.1 overs due to a power outage that caused three floodlight towers at Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium to fail.
Yes, rising India-Pakistan border tensions prompted local authorities to order a precautionary evacuation of the stadium.
The BCCI confirmed the floodlight malfunction and arranged a special train from Una to Delhi for all IPL personnel.
Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh smashed 122 runs in 10.1 overs, dominating DC’s bowling attack before lights went out.
PBKS will face Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad, while DC will host Gujarat Titans in Delhi on May 11.
