PBKS Vs MI, IPL 2025: May 11 Fixture In Dharamsala Moved To Ahmedabad Due To Logistical Reasons

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 fixture between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI), originally slated for May 11 in Dharamsala, has been relocated to Ahmedabad. The decision comes in the wake of security concerns following the closure of Dharamsala's Gaggal Airport due to military action against terror infrastructure in Pakistan. (Full Coverage | Points Table | More Cricket News)

The Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) has confirmed its readiness to host the match. GCA Secretary Anil Patel stated, "BCCI requested us and we accepted." He also indicated that the match will be played in the afternoon.

The move became necessary as the Dharamsala airport is expected to remain closed for commercial flights at least until May 10. This closure is a direct consequence of India's military strikes on terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), launched in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.  

This development presents logistical challenges for the teams. Punjab Kings are currently in Dharamsala for their match against Delhi Capitals on Thursday, May 8th.

With flight operations suspended, both Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals will need to find alternative ways to travel out of the hill town. Chandigarh airport, another potential option, is also reportedly closed. Delhi Capitals are scheduled to play Gujarat Titans in Delhi on May 11.

BCCI released a press release on Thursday stating, "Match No. 61 between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, originally scheduled to be played in Dharamshala on Sunday, May 11, has been relocated to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad."

According to the release, "The venue change has been necessitated due to logistical challenges. The match will begin at 3:30 PM IST as per the original schedule".

The BCCI was actively working to ensure the crucial match, significant for the playoff race, is not postponed or cancelled. Despite the heightened tensions and proximity to the border, the earlier Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match on Thursday in Dharamsala received government clearance to proceed as planned. Delhi Capitals had reached Dharamsala before the airport closure but will now face a road journey, or a combination of road and rail, for their return.  

As the situation unfolds, the BCCI is also organising a musical tribute to the Indian armed forces, featuring singer B Praak, at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Thursday.