The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) Match 61 between the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI), to be played on May 11, has been shifted from Dharamshala to Ahmedabad. This development was confirmed to the Times of India by Gujarat Cricket Association secretary Anil Patel.
“Since the match had to be shifted at the last minute, the BCCI asked if we could host it, and we have formally informed them that we are ready,” Patel told the Times of India.
While Mumbai was initially considered as an alternative venue, Ahmedabad was ultimately chosen to avoid giving either team a home advantage.
Amidst the ongoing Operation Sindoor conducted by Indian armed forces against Pakistan, all strategic airports have been closed until further notice, and this includes airports in Dharamshala, Jammu, and Chandigarh.
The Mumbai Indians (MI) contingent was scheduled to leave on Wednesday evening, but the closure of airports forced them to stay in Mumbai.
The Delhi Capitals and PBKS are now facing a logistical headache as they prepare to leave Dharamsala when the PBKS-MI match is finalized. Since the local airports are still closed, both teams, who play today, will have to make a lengthy road journey for their next game on May 11.
It is acknowledged that the teams are considering every alternative, even traveling by rail. But as of yet, nothing has been decided. According to a team official, they must consider the comfort of the players because there is not enough time between games, and the trip would be lengthy.
“We need to keep players' comfort in mind. We need to navigate the hilly area using the smaller buses. So, there is a plan to possibly break the journey into two parts, but nothing is final yet. A call will be taken by the evening because there could be a possibility of both PBKS and DC starting their journey right after the match. There is a railway station some two hours from the ground; even that is being explored. But as I said, players' comfort is of utmost importance. We can't burn them out with travel," explained the official to TOI.
Punjab Kings is expected to travel to Ahmedabad via New Delhi. “The teams will reach Delhi and then proceed to Ahmedabad,” a source told Sportstar.
(Times of India/Sportstar inputs)
