Punjab Kings (PBKS) have released an official statement on the safety of their players and support staff after the abandonment of the PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 match.
In the statement shared across all their social media handles, Punjab Kings (PBKS) confirmed that all the players, support staff, and everyone associated with Punjab Kings cricket operations are safe and secure.
Also Read: PBKS vs DC to be replayed; No sanctions on players or coaches skipping IPL 2025 amid Indo-Pak war
Special train evacuates Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals players from Dharamsala
A special Vande Bharat train was arranged by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was called off on Thursday, May 8, at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
The match officially ended with no result after the first ball of the 11th over as Pakistan launched a cowardly attack on several Indian cities, including Pathankot, which is just 90 km away from the stadium, and a blackout was enforced in the city.
Meanwhile, all the players, support staff members, match officials, commentators, broadcast crew members, operations staff, and other key personnel associated with the game were successfully evacuated on a special Vande Bharat train.
With Dharamshala being a no-fly zone, players first went to Jalandhar in a convoy of buses and then boarded the train to New Delhi. After reaching Delhi on Friday, everyone went to their respective team hotels, and throughout this, the security provided was absolutely the best.
Watch: Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals players reach Delhi
Thank you, @RailMinIndia, for arranging a special Vande Bharat train on such short notice to ferry the players, support staff, commentators, production crew members, and operations staff to New Delhi.
We deeply appreciate your swift response. 🙌🏽@AshwiniVaishnaw | @JayShah |… pic.twitter.com/tUwzc5nGWD
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 9, 2025
PBKS and DC players have arrived at the Safdarjung Station in Delhi. ⭐pic.twitter.com/q5LbYDLe4R
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 9, 2025
A heartfelt thank you to the BCCI, IPL, Indian Railways, Police, State authorities – Punjab Kings
In their official statement, the Punjab Kings confirmed that everyone is absolutely safe and secure, and they thanked the BCCI, Indian Railways, Police, State authorities, and others for ensuring the safe movement of the people involved in the match.
“We’re pleased to communicate that all our players, support staff, and everyone associated with Punjab Kings cricket operations are safe and secure,” PBKS stated.
“A heartfelt thank you to the BCCI, IPL, Indian Railways, Police, State authorities, and our internal operations team for ensuring the safe movement of players, coaches, families, and support staff from both Delhi Capitals & Punjab Kings, from Dharamsala to a secure location. We are especially grateful to our wing commanders for their calm and swift leadership, and to our CEO, Mr Satish Menon, whose steady guidance has been instrumental throughout this process,” PBKS stated.
Punjab Kings also thanked the fans for their support in their highly successful season and urged the media to keep the reporting calm, factual, and responsible amid India-Pakistan tensions.
“It’s been a standout season, for the IPL and for Punjab Kings both on and off the field. None of it would’ve been possible without our fans. Your support through every high and low has meant the world, and we’re truly grateful. We also make a humble appeal to the media, please keep the reporting calm, factual, and responsible. This isn’t the moment for panic or noise. It’s a moment to move forward with care and perspective,” the statement further read.
“Most importantly, in moments like these, it’s important we stay united and composed. We stand firmly with our armed forces, Nation First. Always. Yesterday’s game in Dharamshala was unforgettable, from B Praak’s stirring tribute to our armed forces to the electric atmosphere in the stands. Thank you once again to every single person who played a part in ensuring the safety, success, and spirit of this journey…”
Grateful to all for swift action ensuring everyone’s safety! 🙌🏻
Standing together – Desh ke Vaaste 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/o9R4RFxXxC
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 9, 2025