After the Delhi Capitals (DC) vs. Punjab Kings IPL 2025 match at the HPCA Stadium had to be called off in the middle of the match because of cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, spinner Vipraj Nigam expressed his sincere gratitude to the Indian Army and the Indian government for ensuring the players’ safe evacuation from Dharamshala.
In Dharamshala, which is around 50 miles from the Indo-Pak border, the game was first postponed because of floodlight problems before being cancelled owing to a widespread blackout. Following the league’s revival, a number of international players chose not to return to India due to security concerns.
Several people stepped up to help the players get through the crisis, the DC all-rounder said, acknowledging the support they received during the trying time.
“Everyone is aware of the circumstances and their causes. However, some of our team members were from the Indian Army. Numerous folks arrived to assist us in getting home. In the beginning, the situation was typical. At the Saturday pre-game press conference, Nigam stated, “But after that, they made arrangements for us very easily.”
“Everything for us was done by the Indian Army and Government. We should not refer to it as an experience. Whatever the case, that was in the past.
However, Vipraj Nigam continued, “I am grateful to the Indian Army and Government for safely returning us home.”
Due to cross-border tensions, the situation at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala quickly deteriorated, with PBKS in a commanding position at 122 for 1 in 10.1 overs. As a security measure, the venue was promptly cleared of both teams and spectators.
A week-long halt was placed on the IPL 2025 season following the tragedy. Both teams’ players and support personnel were securely driven from Dharamsala to Hoshiarpur and then to Jalandhar railway station. Under strict security, they arrived in New Delhi on a Vande Bharat Express that had been particularly organised.
The tournament’s final is set for June 3 after it resumed on May 17 with updated schedules. DC and PBKS are still vying for a postseason berth; PBKS is currently ranked third on the IPL 2025 Points Table, while the Axar Patel-led team is ranked fifth.
India
