Operation Sindoor, India's retaliatory strikes against terror targets in Pakistan for its involvement in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, has created uncertainties about the continuation of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
With matches already scheduled to be played, fans and teams are left wondering if the security protocols could impact the fixtures in sensitive venues such as Dharamshala, and whether they could be postponed or rescheduled.
The Sporting News takes you through all the latest updates from BCCI, Operation Sindoor, and if Punjab Kings' (PBKS) matches in Dharamshala could be changed to another venue.
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What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor is the code name for India's mission of retaliating against cross-border terror groups operating in Pakistan.
It is a bold response to the gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
On early Wednesday, the Indian defence forces, led by the Air Force, struck several targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan's Punjab province.
This reportedly included potential hideouts and headquarters of terror organisations in Bahawalpur.
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Airport closure due to Operation Sindoor - how will it impact IPL 2025 matches in Dharamsala?
According to the latest reports, several airports along the Pakistan border, including Jammu, Leh, Amritsar, Leh, Srinagar, Jodhpur, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot, have been closed until 5:30 a.m. IST on May 10th.
Several airlines have been asked to suspend operations as well. With regards to the IPL 2025 season, the most impacted venue is Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, which is the home ground for PBKS.
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Moreover, mock drills have been announced in several states across the country on May 7. However, according to BCCI sources, the tournament will run as per schedule currently.
Follow along to see how the airports being shut affect the team's travel to Dharamshala.
IPL will be run as per schedule the situation will be monitored and depending on circumstances a call will be taken : BCCI Source @IPL @BCCI
— vipul kashyap (@kashyapvipul) May 7, 2025
Dharamshala - Which IPL 2025 matches are likely to be affected by Operation Sindoor?
As mentioned earlier, unless there is a government directive, the matches will not be affected and will be played as per schedule.
However, teams could find it difficult to travel to Dharamshala after the closure of airports to access the venue.
So far, one IPL 2025 match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and PBKS has been played at Dharamshala.
The next two fixtures will see PBKS face Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 8 and 11, respectively.
According to the Times of India, DC have already travelled to the venue in Dharamshala before the announcement of the airport's closing. Therefore, it will not affect the next match.
However, MI are yet to travel after completing their game late at midnight on May 7 at the Wankhede. A senior BCCI official reportedly told TOI:
"We will have to wait and watch for now. There is no option because even the Chandigarh airport is shut, so we need to see what can be done. Two teams are already here and MI were supposed to arrive later this week for their match on May 11. The nearest option is the Delhi airport, but that would mean a long road journey for the teams. We are tracking government advisories and will take the call as necessary."
Another News18 report, the PBKS vs MI match could be shifted to the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. This would mean that MI does not have to take the longer route to Dharamshala. However, an official confirmation is yet to be made by the BCCI.
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It remains to be seen if flights on which the MI squad were supposed to travel will be cancelled.
Since cancellation is a highly likely scenario, the BCCI are looking for alternate options including travel by road, which would mean a long journey for the players.
Upcoming IPL 2025 games set to be hosted at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala
| Match | Date | Time |
| Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals | May 8 | 7:30 PM IST |
| Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians | May 11 | 3:30 PM IST |