Courtesy: BCCI/IPL
In an extraordinary logistical effort, the Indian Railways and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) collaborated to ensure the safe and swift evacuation of players and staff of the Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) IPL franchises. This came in the wake of rising security concerns along India’s northern border, which also led to the cancellation of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match between the two teams in Dharamshala. The blackout at the stadium, initially attributed to technical failure, was later confirmed to be a precautionary measure prompted by increasing regional tensions.
With over 300 people including players, support staff, and broadcasters needing secure passage, a special Vande Bharat Express train was arranged to transport the group from Punjab to Delhi. The train was part of a broader operation by Indian Railways, which also ran additional trains to relocate over 8,000 civilians from sensitive border areas such as Jammu, Udhampur, and Pathankot.
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Players and staff were first brought to Jalandhar by road from where they boarded the Vande Bharat
The IPL contingent first embarked on a road journey from Dharamshala to Hoshiarpur, a trip that was tightly coordinated with security escorts provided by the Himachal Pradesh Police. The convoy, consisting of around 40 to 50 small vehicles, ensured that players and officials were moved quickly and safely out of the high-risk zone. Upon entering Punjab, responsibility was transferred to the Punjab Police, who accompanied the teams to Jalandhar Railway Station, where the special Vande Bharat Express awaited their arrival.
This coordinated evacuation underscores the flexibility and responsiveness of Indian public institutions when faced with sudden security developments. The collaboration between BCCI, Indian Railways, and law enforcement across two states highlights how major sporting events like the IPL require not just logistical finesse but also dynamic risk management.
