In a significant development around the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025), the 61st match of the season scheduled between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI), originally scheduled for May 11 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala, has been reportedly shifted to Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
The decision comes in the wake of logistical challenges triggered by India’s military operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor, which has disrupted air travel across northern India.
The Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) secretary, Anil Patel, confirmed the venue change to the Times of India, citing the temporary closure of Dharamsala’s airport, alongside other key airports in the region, including Amritsar and Chandigarh, until May 10.
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"Yes, the match between MI and PBKS will now be played in Ahmedabad," said Patel as quoted to the Times of India.
Earlier, the reports suggested that the fixture might be shifted to Mumbai.
These airport closures stem from heightened security measures following Operation Sindoor, a coordinated military strike by the Indian Armed Forces targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK).
The operation, executed in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, has led to significant disruptions in civilian air travel, particularly in northern and northwestern India.
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PBKS vs DC to Go on as Planned but Teams Face Logistical Challenges
The BCCI is also grappling with logistical concerns for the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals (DC) scheduled on May 8 in Dharamsala, as both these teams face a tight turnaround for their respective next games scheduled on May 11.
While Punjab Kings will reportedly face Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad, Delhi Capitals are scheduled to take on Gujarat Titans in Delhi. With no flights available as the nearby airports are shut, teams need to rely on road or rail travel.
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The BCCI, however, remains committed to minimizing disruptions to the IPL 2025 schedule.
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