Australian Cricketer Urges Immediate Departure: “We Need to Leave Right Now”
Australian cricketer Alyssa Healy recounted a harrowing experience during the IPL 2025 season in Dharamsala when a security threat led to an emergency evacuation of players and staff. The chaos erupted on May 8, as rumors of a missile attack spread, causing confusion and panic among those present at the stadium. Healy described the surreal moment when the stadium lights abruptly went out, escalating the fear and uncertainty surrounding the situation. The match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was subsequently abandoned, and the entire IPL was temporarily suspended.
Security Threat Causes Panic in Dharamsala
The IPL match on May 8 faced an unexpected interruption due to a serious security incident. Reports indicated that Pakistan attempted to breach Indian airspace near Chandigarh, which lies close to the match venue in Dharamsala. As the lights in the stadium went dark, players and spectators were left in a state of confusion. Healy described the moment as surreal, recalling how people’s expressions turned from surprise to alarm. The urgency escalated when officials indicated that everyone needed to evacuate immediately.
Healy recounted the scene, saying, “We need to go right now,” as officials began to guide players and families to safety. The atmosphere shifted dramatically as panic set in. Players were herded into a holding area, and Healy mentioned that even prominent players like Faf du Plessis were caught unprepared, lacking even basic footwear. The situation quickly became tense as more information began to surface about the severity of the threat.
Evacuation and Aftermath
As players and their families were escorted to safety, the urgency was palpable. Healy’s husband, Mitchell Starc, informed her that the town nearby had been struck by missiles, explaining the blackout and the sudden darkness in the stadium. Healy noted that the Dharamsala stadium had become a beacon during this time of crisis. The players and their families were soon packed into vans for a swift exit from the venue.
Describing the chaos, Healy stated, “There was madness.” They headed southwest toward the border, which felt particularly alarming given the circumstances. The couple witnessed military preparations en route, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The entire event underscores the unpredictable nature of the IPL and the challenges faced in ensuring the safety of players and fans alike.
Resumption of IPL 2025
Following the unsettling events in Dharamsala, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) convened to address the security concerns. After extensive discussions with government and security officials, the IPL was set to resume on May 17. The much-anticipated clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings is scheduled to kick off the league’s restart.
The match that was initially abandoned—Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals—has been rescheduled for May 24 and will take place in Jaipur. The tournament will continue across six venues: Bengaluru, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai, with the playoffs taking place from May 29 to June 3. The swift response and adjustments by the BCCI reflect their commitment to player safety while providing cricket fans with continued action in the IPL.
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