PBKS vs DC Match Called Off in Dharamsala Amid Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan

Thursday evening's IPL 2025 clash between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala ended in frustrating scenes, as the match was called off midway due to a major technical glitch at the stadium. The game had already seen a delayed start because of rain, with the toss finally taking place at 8:15 PM IST instead of the scheduled 7 PM, and the match beginning at 8:30 without any overs being lost. But just when the action was heating up, things took a bizarre turn.

After 10.1 overs, during which PBKS openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh had laid a blistering foundation with a century stand, the floodlights failed. Arya had just been dismissed for a stunning 70 off 34 balls by T Natarajan when, at around 9:29 PM, three of the stadium's light towers suddenly went dark. Despite efforts to resolve the issue, the match was officially called off just 11 minutes later. The BCCI issued a statement saying, "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." 

Fans, who had braved the initial rain delays, were understandably disappointed as they left the ground after what felt like a promising match abruptly ended. For PBKS, this game held massive importance. A win would have all but sealed their spot in the playoffs. They came into the match riding high after a 37-run win over Lucknow Super Giants on May 4. Meanwhile, DC were hoping to bounce back after their previous game against SRH in Hyderabad was washed out. 

Now, with the match abandoned and playoff positions hanging in the balance, there’s uncertainty about how the rest of the league will unfold. Reports suggest that a BCCI meeting is underway, with concerns reportedly raised by foreign players around security and infrastructure. As a result of Thursday’s events, Punjab’s upcoming game against Mumbai Indians has been moved from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad — a decision likely made to avoid any further disruption. For now, fans and franchises alike wait for clarity on what comes next.