Amid rising military tensions after India conducted retaliatory missile strikes against terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir (PoK), the Dharamsala airport has been included among the 18 airstrips closed down. This development poses significant logistical challenges for the Indian Premier League, affecting teams scheduled to compete in the picturesque Himalayan locale of Himachal Pradesh.
Punjab Kings
, whose second home base is Dharamsala, are set to host
Delhi Capitals
On Thursday, the Mumbai Indians played against another team, and on May 11, they had another match. Although the players from both squads—PBKS and DC—are already in the city and currently do not experience significant disruption, the Delhi Capitals now find themselves in a difficult position as they must head back home for a game on Sunday.
The closure of the closest alternative airport in Chandigarh has heightened the difficulty, offering fewer choices for ensuring secure and prompt team travel. Consequently, both the BCCI and the teams have opted for a careful “wait and see” strategy as they monitor how the circumstances evolve.
“Currently, everything is uncertain. Conversations are taking place with franchises, and they are also having internal discussions regarding the alternatives for traveling from Dharamsala to Delhi should the airport remain closed,” said a BCCI source.
PTI
.
One possibility for Delhi Capitals is still a bus trip; however, this isn’t solely about the teams but includes the broadcasting staff and their gear as well,” the source explained further. “It’s a changing scenario.
India’s anti-terrorism campaign, initiated as revenge for the Pahalgam attack where 26 people predominantly tourists were killed, resulted in assaults on nine key terrorist-associated sites. This heightened military action has temporarily suspended operations at multiple civil airports across the northwestern parts of India, such as those in Srinagar, Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Shimla, Dharamshala, and Jamnagar.
Given that the Chandigarh airport, an essential gateway to Himachal Pradesh, remains closed, teams such as the Mumbai Indians, who have not yet journeyed to Dharamsala for their match scheduled on May 11, are now facing uncertainties as well.
As the circumstances continue to develop, there remains uncertainty regarding when the airports will resume operations. This leaves franchise owners with no option but to await additional guidance from the authorities.
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