Escalation between India-Pakistan casts shadow over IPL match in Dharamshala
The match, which was being played under heightened security, was abruptly halted mid-way. Emergency gates were flung open to facilitate the safe evacuation of thousands of spectators, and all stadium lights were switched off to prevent any potential aerial targeting.
As crowds exited the stadium, chants of "Down with Pakistan" echoed in the air, reflecting rising public anger over the sudden disruption and the attack on Indian soil.
HPCA spokesperson Mohit Sood confirmed the cancellation, stating that while no threat was directly issued against the match, the administration acted promptly upon receiving intelligence reports linked to the attack in Jammu and its proximity to Pathankot—just across the border from Himachal's Kangra district.
Though Himachal Pradesh shares no international border with Pakistan, it lies adjacent to the militancy-prone regions of Jammu and Kashmir and also shares a boundary with China in the Lahaul-Spiti region, raising the strategic sensitivity of the area during any military escalation.
Before the match began, a tribute was paid to the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, underscoring the tense atmosphere in which the game was being played. Commandos had been deployed across the stadium, from the stands to the media boxes, anticipating possible threats.
Though no Pakistani players are part of the IPL, several Afghan players are currently participating in the tournament, which has now come under a cloud of security concerns. With two more IPL matches earlier scheduled in Dharamshala, future fixtures are now under review pending security assessments. UNI ML ANV SSP
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