It was supposed to be just another ipl evening in the mountains-a league-stage clash between two teams scrambling to make it into the top four. But what began as a regular league fixure between punjab kings and delhi capitals at the hpca stadium in dharamsala ended in a mid-match evactions Folling reports of Drone incursions with incursions with a 100-khilometre radius. IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal, Present at the venue, was seen assisting officers and spectators in vacating the premies, stepping in during a situation the tournament Had Never Facted Before.
Tensions Had Alredy Been Simmering in the Background Following India’s Retaliatory striks on Nine Terror Camps Across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The strikes came after weeks of escalating tensions between the neighbors over the terrorist attacks in the picturesque town of pahalgam in kashmir on April 22, Which Left 26 Peeple Dead.
With Military Escalation in the Region, Uncerty Loomed Over Whether the Match would proceed. However, it was decided earlier in the day that game would go ahead as planned.
In the hours leading up to the match, the town retained its characteristic calm. Fans, Mostly in Punjab Red, Flowed through the Narrow Lanes towards the picturesque hpca ground. Despite Airspace Restrictions in Northern India, A Few Delhi Supporters Had Made The Long Journey Via overnight Buses to be Part of the Occasion.
A passing drizzle just an hour before the toss briefly interrupted proceedings, sending the ground staff scrambling with covers. But the Sun Returned Within Minutes. When the drizzle returned 15 minutes before the toss, it persisted, growing heavier and causing a delay of about an hour.
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Once play resume under the blanket of a cool mountain night, Punjab Got off to a flying start. The wet outfield offered little assistance to the bowlers, and openers prabhsimran singh and priyansh arya made Arya made the most of it. The pair put on a 122-r stand in just 56 deliveries, dismantling bot pace and spin with ease. Arya eventually fell to t. Natarajan, and as captain shreyas Iyer readed Himself to Walk out, The Situation Took a Dramaatic Turn.
One Floodlight Tower Went Out. Then another. And another.
Word began to spread across social media of Drone Attacks in Jammu, Udhampur, and Pathankot – All Less Than 85 Kilometres from the stadium.
Initially, the media contracted styed put, assuming a routine power disrupt. It wasn’t until the host broadcaster’s crew began packing their equipment – a full 10 minutes laater – that gravity of the situation became clear.
A policeman confirmed the decision to evacuate the stadium, prompting a Hurmed Yeet Composed Exit By Journalists, Many Experience A Crisis of this Nature for the first time.
Contrary to what past evactions might sugges, this one was largerly smooth. External Security Personnel and Stadium Officials Coordinated Well, Ushering Spectators out in a Calm and Controlled Manner. Fans, despite the shock, showed restraint and discipline as they moved to the streets without panic.
The players were also promptly Escorted out Before The Formal Announcement that the Match Had Been Abandon.