Sawai Mansingh Stadium (Source:@IPL,x.com)
Match 66 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) will be held at a neutral venue that is Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur instead of either team’s home ground. This high-stakes encounter was initially scheduled to be played at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
However, the shift in venue is rooted in larger geopolitical concerns. The IPL 2025 season faced a temporary suspension earlier this month due to escalating border tensions between India and Pakistan.
In response to rising security concerns, especially in northern regions near the border, the BCCI took the difficult but necessary step of halting the tournament for a week.
Why PBKS vs DC Match Is Being Played At Jaipur?
When play resumed, the board made several adjustments to the schedule and hosting venues to ensure the safety of players, support staff, and fans. Among the key decisions was to exclude Dharamsala one of PBKS's adopted home venues from hosting the remaining fixtures. The picturesque hill station, lies in close proximity to sensitive border areas, which likely played a role in the BCCI’s decision-making process.
Adding to the complexity, the PBKS vs DC fixture was the exact match that had been suspended at Dharamsala when the tournament was abruptly halted. Rather than continuing at the original venue under heightened risk, the IPL governing council opted for Jaipur.
PBKS & DC's Tournament So Far
PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, have already sealed a spot in the Playoffs, but a win vs DC would significantly uplift their chances of finishing in the top two. For DC, the game is about salvaging pride and ending their disappointing campaign on a high note.
PBKS is currently at the second position of the points table with 8 wins in 12 matches they have played so far.