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Safety Update! Punjab Kings Issue Thank You Note After Securing Players And Staff

Soumyajit Dutta

Shreyas Iyer and team at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station [Source: @96ShreyasIyer/X]Shreyas Iyer and team at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station [Source: @96ShreyasIyer/X]

The Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals IPL 2025 clash in Dharamsala was abruptly halted on Thursday after 10.1 overs due to heightened security concerns linked to escalating India-Pakistan tensions. 

The suspension coincided with a floodlight failure at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, prompting immediate evacuation of spectators and safe relocation of players and staff and the franchise confirmed the safety of players and support staffs officially on their X handle.

Punjab Kings Convey Thanks After Players and Staff Reach Safety

Punjab Kings issued a statement on Friday confirming the safety of all players, support staff, and personnel, acknowledging collaborative efforts between franchises, cricket bodies, and government agencies. 

“We’re pleased to communicate that all our players, support staff, and everyone associated with Punjab Kings cricket operations are safe and secure. A heartfelt thank you to the BCCI, IPL, Indian Railways, Police, State authorities, and our internal operations team for ensuring the safe movement of players, coaches, families, and support staff… We are especially grateful to our wing commanders for their calm and swift leadership, and to our CEO, Mr. Satish Menon, whose steady guidance has been instrumental.”

For the unaware, a special Vande Bharat train was arranged overnight to transport both teams, crew, and staff to New Delhi, with the contingent arriving safely by Friday. 

Reflecting on the truncated match, Punjab Kings added, “Yesterday’s game in Dharamshala was unforgettable, from B. Praak’s stirring tribute to our armed forces to the electric atmosphere in the stands. Thank you once again to every single person who played a part in ensuring the safety."

When Will IPL 2025 Resume?

HPCA Director Sanjay Sharma emphasized preemptive coordination, stating, “Yesterday’s Delhi-Punjab IPL match had to be stopped due to security concerns… Even before the match, there were strong indications that such a situation might arise.”

The IPL also thanked Indian Railways via social media, “Thank you, @RailMinIndia, for arranging a special Vande Bharat train on such short notice… We deeply appreciate your swift response.” 

The BCCI is expected to announce revised schedules after assessing the geopolitical situation. For now, the IPL has been suspended for a week but it might extend depending on the crisis level and emergency situations.