BCCI Organizes Special Train for IPL Players Amid Match Cancellation

BCCI's Unique Transportation Solution

In a remarkable initiative, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has arranged a dedicated Vande Bharat train to facilitate the travel of players from Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and the entire broadcast team from Dharamshala to Delhi. This decision was made due to the current circumstances in the region and the logistical hurdles following the sudden cancellation of the IPL 2025 match between the two teams.

A source from the BCCI revealed that approximately 300 individuals, including players, support staff, and broadcasters, will utilize this high-speed train to ensure a seamless and secure journey.

This development follows an unfortunate incident at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, where the eagerly awaited match between PBKS and DC was called off due to a failure of the floodlights.

In a separate context, reports emerged of Pakistan launching eight missiles aimed at various locations, all of which were intercepted by Indian air defense units, according to defense sources.

Explosions were reported as Indian air defense successfully intercepted Pakistani drones in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, with similar incidents occurring in Jaisalmer. A complete blackout was enforced in several regions, including Bikaner in Rajasthan and Jalandhar in Punjab.

India's response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack included Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK through precise strikes, with a warning that any assault on military sites would provoke a fitting response.

Spectators were promptly informed about the match cancellation and instructed to leave the venue, while both teams were escorted back to their accommodations.

Following the announcement, Punjab Kings confirmed the match's cancellation via their official social media account, stating, 'Match has been called off.'

As fans exited the stadium, chants of 'Pakistan murdabad' echoed among the crowd.

At the time of the match's suspension, PBKS was at 122/1 in 10.1 overs, with Prabhsimran Singh (50*) and Shreyas Iyer (0*) still at the crease.

In the match, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bat first, with Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh opening the innings aggressively.

The Punjab franchise reached the 50-run mark on the final ball of the fourth over, thanks to a boundary from Priyansh Arya off right-arm seamer Dushmantha Chameera.

By the end of the powerplay (6 overs), PBKS had scored 69 runs without losing a wicket, with Priyansh Arya (42*) and Prabhsimran Singh (26*) not out.

Priyansh Arya achieved his half-century in just 25 balls, while Prabhsimran Singh secured his fourth consecutive fifty in IPL 2025, reaching his half-century in 28 balls.

The team, led by Shreyas Iyer, crossed the 100-run threshold in the ninth over, with Prabhsimran hitting a double off Madhav Tiwari, who was making his IPL debut.