Mumbai: The Indian Premier League (IPL) has relocated Sunday’s fixture between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad, citing logistical constraints caused by the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict. However, despite regional tensions, foreign players participating in the league remain “comfortable” and committed to playing, according to a senior official of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The decision comes after Indian airstrikes targeted multiple sites in Pakistan following the deadly April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed several Hindu tourists. New Delhi has blamed Islamabad for orchestrating the attack—an accusation Pakistan denies. In response, Pakistan reported it had shot down 25 Indian drones overnight. Several Indian airports, including Dharamsala, have suspended operations due to heightened security concerns.
BCCI Cites Logistical Concerns
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that the match venue change was made purely for logistical reasons, stemming from airport closures.
“With the airport in Dharamsala closed, it would have been a huge logistical challenge for everyone involved,” Saikia told Reuters in a phone interview.
“Purely due to logistical reasons, we’ve decided to move the match to Ahmedabad.”
Punjab Kings are still scheduled to play Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala on Thursday evening. However, further changes remain possible depending on the evolving situation.
No Security Concerns from Foreign Players
Despite the volatile geopolitical climate, Saikia emphasized that players—both local and international—have shown no hesitation about continuing their participation in the tournament.
“They are quite comfortable. Everyone in the league is comfortable,” Saikia said.
“The safety and security of every player — be it a local player or a foreigner — every match official and every fan is important for us.
We have the clearance of every single authority.”
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The IPL, known as the world’s wealthiest Twenty20 cricket league, features high-profile franchises with celebrity owners and lucrative contracts that attract elite talent from across the globe.
Cricket Caught in Cross-Border Tensions
Cricketing ties between India and Pakistan remain suspended, with the two nations facing each other only in multi-nation events at neutral venues. Pakistani players are not permitted to participate in the IPL, and bilateral series between the rivals have long been halted due to political tensions.
Across the border, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is also feeling the impact. A scheduled match in Rawalpindi was postponed just hours before its start on Thursday, with more matches likely to be rescheduled.
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“The PCB is reviewing the situation and will be rescheduling some of the PSL matches,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement.
“Further updates will be provided as matters are finalised.”
British media reports indicate that some of the seven English players currently involved in the PSL are reconsidering their continued presence amid the escalating hostilities.
