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'Couldn't have allowed a stampede': IPL chairman Arun Dhumal opens up on evacuating Dharamsala stadium

When asked about the possibility of holding the remaining 16 IPL matches in September by cancelling the Asia Cup, Dhumal said this was not the time to consider such decisions.

May 09, 2025 / 23:00 IST
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IPL chairman Arun Dhumal opens up on evacuating Dharamsala stadium

It was during the first strategic timeout that IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal realised the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala could not continue.

Air raid sirens had gone off in two neighbouring cities — one of them less than 100 km away — and 25,000 spectators were in the stands, unaware of the emerging security concerns.

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On one of his "most challenging days" as a cricket administrator, Dhumal had to oversee the safe evacuation of the crowd and ensure that the players remained unaffected by the unfolding situation.

Floodlights were dimmed and eventually turned off, as a blackout protocol was activated after drone attacks from Pakistan targeted Pathankot (85 km from Dharamsala) and Jammu (a little over 197 km away).