Vipraj Nigam Expresses Gratitude to Indian Army After Dharamshala Evacuation
In an emotional interaction with the media, Delhi Capitals’ (DC) emerging spinner Vipraj Nigam shared his heartfelt appreciation for the Indian Army and the Indian Government, who ensured the safe evacuation of players after a high-tension situation arose in Dharamshala during the IPL 2025.
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2. Match Abandoned Amid Tensions and Blackout in Dharamshala
The IPL 2025 clash between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala had to be abandoned midway. Initially, the match was interrupted due to floodlight failure, but things escalated quickly as a regional power blackout occurred. This incident coincided with rising cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, creating a serious security risk in the region.
Dharamshala, located merely 50 miles from the Indo-Pak border, became a sensitive zone, prompting swift evacuation measures by authorities.
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3. Punjab Kings Dominated Before Match Suspension
Before the abandonment, PBKS were in a commanding position at 122/1 in 10.1 overs, with their top order firing. The match seemed to be heading towards a high-scoring thriller before things took a dramatic turn due to external security concerns. The stadium atmosphere changed abruptly, and fans, players, and support staff were evacuated for their safety.
4. Evacuation Operation Led by the Indian Army
Vipraj Nigam highlighted that the evacuation process was handled with incredible efficiency, largely due to the Indian Army’s intervention. The players, staff, and officials were moved out of the high-risk zone under tight protection. Nigam revealed that some Indian Army personnel were embedded within the team setup, helping facilitate coordination during the crisis.
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5. “They Did Everything For Us,” Says Vipraj
In the pre-match press conference on Saturday, Vipraj Nigam opened up about the experience:
“Everyone knows what the situation was and why it was. But there were some Indian Army people in our team. Many people came to help us to take us home. The situation was normal in the beginning. But after that, they made arrangements for us very easily,” he said.
He further added:
“The Indian Government and the Indian Army did everything for us. It is better not to call it an experience. But whatever it was, it happened in the past. I am thankful to the Indian Government and the Indian Army that they brought us home safely.”
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6. Overseas Players Opt Out Amid Safety Concerns
Following the incident, several overseas players decided to skip the remainder of the IPL 2025 season, citing security concerns. The IPL authorities respected their decision and allowed squads to revise their rosters accordingly. This posed challenges for franchises, including DC and PBKS, who had to regroup without key international players.
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7. Players Transported from Dharamshala to Delhi via Special Route
To ensure safe transit, the players and support staff were first transported from Dharamshala to Jalandhar railway station via Hoshiarpur. From there, a specially-arranged Vande Bharat Express carried them to New Delhi under full security cover. The swift planning and execution demonstrated the Indian authorities’ preparedness for such emergencies.
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8. IPL 2025 Resumes After a Week-Long Pause
Due to the abrupt suspension, the IPL 2025 season was paused for a week to reassess security measures and allow teams to reset. The tournament resumed on May 17 with revised fixtures, ensuring all remaining games could proceed in a safe and controlled environment. The IPL governing council coordinated with central agencies to reroute matches to safer venues if required.
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9. DC and PBKS Remain in Contention for Playoffs
Despite the disruption, both Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings remain strong contenders for the IPL 2025 playoffs. PBKS are currently placed third on the points table, while DC, led by Axar Patel, are not far behind in fifth position. The final of IPL 2025 is scheduled for June 3, and both teams are expected to play a critical role in the tournament’s final stages.
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10. A Lesson in Crisis Management and Unity
This incident has become more than just a disruption in a cricket tournament. It was a test of coordination, unity, and resilience. The Indian Army, the Government, and the IPL organizers worked hand-in-hand to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans. Vipraj Nigam’s words are a reminder of the behind-the-scenes efforts that often go unnoticed.
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11. Cricket Amid Crisis – A Rare Occurrence in IPL History
The abandonment of a match due to geopolitical tensions is an unprecedented moment in IPL history. While rain and technical issues have affected games in the past, a security-related evacuation on such a scale was a first. It highlights the unpredictable nature of hosting global sporting events in geopolitically sensitive regions.
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12. Looking Ahead: Stronger, Safer, and More United
With the league now back on track, the focus has shifted back to the on-field action. But the memories of Dharamshala will linger. Players, especially young talents like Vipraj Nigam, have witnessed first-hand how quickly things can change off the field.
Their resilience and unity amid adversity have made this edition of the IPL even more meaningful. Moving forward, the incident will likely lead to enhanced safety protocols, especially for venues near sensitive borders.
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Conclusion
Vipraj Nigam’s heartfelt words have shed light on a rare and intense moment during IPL 2025. His gratitude toward the Indian Army and the Indian Government is not just personal—it reflects the collective sentiment of the cricketing community. The swift and effective evacuation operation stands as a testament to India’s robust emergency response capabilities. As the tournament moves forward, players and fans alike carry with them a renewed sense of respect for those who protect beyond the boundary ropes.
