Operation Sindoor Fallout: PBKS vs MI Match Moved from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad

The IPL 2025 clash between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians has been moved from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad due to the shutdown of airports in and around the Himachal hill town. Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) secretary Anil Patel confirmed the development to TimesofIndia.com, saying, “Yes, the match between MI and PBKS will now be played in Ahmedabad.”

Mumbai Indians were originally set to fly to Dharamsala on Wednesday evening but were forced to stay back in Mumbai after airport operations were suspended in the region. With no viable route into Dharamsala, the venue shift became unavoidable.

While that situation is now resolved, a new headache has emerged for both Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals — the two teams playing in Dharamsala tonight. Both franchises are due to play their next matches on May 11, and with local airports still closed, they face a complicated and potentially exhausting journey out of the mountains.

Officials are now scrambling to figure out how to get the teams to their next destinations. One option being considered is a partial journey by bus, navigating the hilly terrain in smaller vehicles, followed by a train ride from a station around two hours away. However, nothing has been confirmed yet.

A team official stressed the need to prioritise players’ comfort, especially given the tight match schedule. “We’re keeping all options on the table — it could be a two-part journey by road and rail. A decision will likely be made tonight. If possible, both PBKS and DC may start travelling immediately after the match. But we’re being very mindful of the physical toll — we don’t want to burn the players out,” the official added.