IPL chairman Arun Dhumal explains how “floodlights failure” tactic helped escape crowd panic, smooth evacuation

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal explains how “floodlights failure” tactic helped escape crowd panic, smooth evacuation. (Photo Source: ANI/X)

The IPL (Indian Premier League) 2025 witnessed an alarming incident during the clash between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala as the match was abandoned midway due to an apparent floodlights’ failure. Subsequently, the tournament has now been suspended for a week. However, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has now confirmed that the mentioning technical failure at the venue was a smart act to prevent mass panic and ensure a smooth evacuation for the stadium attendees, as tensions at India-Pakistan borders escalated.

With over 24,000 spectators in attendance, the game was abruptly called off after just 10.1 overs. Punjab openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya had gotten off to a solid start, scoring 122 runs in 10 overs. However, as captain Shreyas Iyer was looking to walk out, two of the four floodlight towers went off. What initially looked to be a technical glitch turned out to be a decision by the IPL and BCCI.

With high security alerts due to the missile activity near Pathankot and Jammu, the authorities decided to abandon the match and prioritize crowd safety. Dhumal revealed that it was a tactical decision made on the spot, to manage the volatile situation by avoiding direct references to the real security threat, which could have triggered panic amongst the crowd.

“Preparations were in full swing, but as you know, yesterday, the situation escalated by some margin. There was news of activities near Pathankot and Jammu, so we thought that the crowd should not panic. And that’s why keeping the public safety in mind, this step (of announcing a floodlights’ failure) was taken, and the crowd was evacuated safely. We did not want to create a situation that would cause panic, so we arrived at this situation.

The players and match officials have left via roadways and will go to New Delhi, and only after that will the next decision be taken. And as we all know that the tournament has been suspended for a week, a decision can only be taken thereafter, keeping in mind all the developments that take place within this week. So we’ll have to wait for the decision,” he told Lokmat Times Nagpur.

BCCI has full faith in our armed forces: Devajit Saikia

Local police along were quick to be in action and helped fans exit calmly. The day after the match, the BCCI announced a temporary one-week suspension of the IPL 2025 season, with 16 matches, including playoffs, remaining. The decision was taken following a high-level meeting involving Dhumal and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.

“Further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive assessment of the situation in consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders,” Saikia said in an official statement.

“The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans; while the BCCI reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the Board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders,” he added.

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