Match 61 of the 2025 Indian Premier League between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, originally scheduled for May 11 in Dharamsala has been moved to Ahmedabad. The decision comes amid rising border tensions between India and Pakistan. According to reports by PTI, the shift was prompted by Operation Sindoor as Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium is located close to the India-Pakistan border.
Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) secretary Anil Patel confirmed to PTI that the Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians match could be held in Ahmedabad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had approached the GCA to host the game at 3:30 PM on May 11 and the association has agreed to the request.
“TATA IPL 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. The venue change has been necessitated due to logistical challenges. The match will begin at 3:30 PM IST as per the original schedule,” IPL Official Statement.
Earlier, Mumbai was being considered as a backup venue, but Ahmedabad was eventually chosen to ensure a neutral ground for both teams. The BCCI decided to shift the match after several airports such as those in Dharamsala, Jammu, and Chandigarh were shut down due to Operation Sindoor.
No Change to PBKS vs DC Venue Amid Border Concerns
PBKS are expected to travel to Ahmedabad via New Delhi with both teams reaching the capital before heading to the new venue for their upcoming clash. Punjab were originally scheduled to play three games in Dharamsala this season against Lucknow Super Giants on May 3, Delhi Capitals on May 8 and Mumbai Indians on May 11. They’ve already started that leg on a positive note securing a 37-run win over LSG in the first match.
The match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals will still happen as planned at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. Even though there were concerns due to the situation near the border, this particular game hasn’t been moved and will go ahead as per the original schedule.
