In a swift response to unexpected travel disruptions, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has relocated the Punjab Kings versus Mumbai Indians fixture from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad. Scheduled for May 11 at 3:30 PM IST, the match will now unfold at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. This sudden shift stems from airport closures that disrupted travel plans and forced stakeholders to act promptly.
Table of contents
BCCI Acts Decisively After Airport Shutdowns
After Chandigarh and Dharamsala airports abruptly shut down, the BCCI immediately assessed the situation. Without direct air connectivity, officials quickly realized that Dharamsala could no longer host the game. They contacted the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), which responded without delay and expressed its readiness to host the match.
As Cricbuzz confirmed, “A venue change was being necessitated in view of the closure of the airports in Chandigarh as well as Dharamsala.” The BCCI thus made the switch official, keeping the date and timing unchanged.
GCA Steps Up to Accommodate the Fixture
Upon receiving the BCCI’s request, the GCA wasted no time. It communicated its willingness and logistical capability to accommodate the match on short notice. Since the Narendra Modi Stadium serves as the Gujarat Titans’ home base, the association must now coordinate closely with the franchise to ensure smooth execution.
Although the Titans play an away game on the same night, they also host two more matches at the venue later—on May 14 and May 18. This tight calendar increases the complexity of managing branding and operational handovers.
Branding Tensions Loom Over Match Preparations
Despite confirming the new venue, the BCCI now faces a tricky operational dilemma—rebranding. Because the Narendra Modi Stadium currently showcases Gujarat Titans’ visuals, hoardings, and color scheme, transforming the space to reflect Punjab Kings as the official hosts has become a pressing concern.
Cricbuzz reported, “Whether Punjab Kings, who are the designated hosts of the match, will agree to play in such a backdrop remains a question mark.” While the GCA signaled its intent to cooperate, officials must still obtain consent from Gujarat Titans regarding any temporary branding changes.
Mumbai Indians Adapt Swiftly to New Travel Plans
On their part, Mumbai Indians adjusted quickly to the new itinerary. Initially planning to travel through Chandigarh, the franchise canceled its trip as soon as the airport closure was announced. They waited for further instructions from the BCCI before rescheduling their journey.
Now, the team will leave for Ahmedabad on Thursday evening. Cricbuzz noted, “The MI team had cancelled the planned travel to Dharamsala via Chandigarh on Wednesday in view of the closure of the airports.”
Punjab Kings Brace for Exhausting Road Journey
While MI manages to fly out without major disruptions, Punjab Kings face a much tougher road ahead—literally. In the absence of nearby airports, Shreyas Iyer’s side may need to undertake a 10-hour road journey to Delhi. Only then can they catch a connecting flight to Ahmedabad or any other IPL venue.
This added travel time not only complicates logistics but also risks affecting player readiness. However, given the tournament’s intensity, PBKS will likely push through and prepare to perform regardless of the obstacles.
Original Schedule Holds Despite Relocation
Though the location has changed, the BCCI has retained the original match time. The PBKS vs MI showdown will begin at 3:30 PM IST, offering fans a crucial clash between two playoff contenders. The match’s stakes remain sky-high, and both teams must now recalibrate quickly in the face of these logistical hurdles.
Read More: IPL 2025: PBKS-DC Match in Dharamsala Abandoned After Border Tensions Trigger Blackout Chaos
FAQs
The BCCI moved the PBKS vs MI match to Ahmedabad due to the closure of airports in Chandigarh and Dharamsala.
The PBKS vs MI match will kick off at 3:30 PM IST on May 11, as originally scheduled.
Punjab Kings may take a 10-hour road journey to Delhi before flying to Ahmedabad due to flight unavailability.
Yes, Mumbai Indians canceled their Chandigarh-Dharamsala route and will now fly directly to Ahmedabad.
The BCCI may consult Gujarat Titans about changing the stadium branding, as Punjab Kings host the game.
