Chandigarh Airport Closure Affects IPL Match
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the rescheduled match, with the Gujarat Titans' branding potentially being removed to accommodate the Punjab Kings. The BCCI's decision to change the venue is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the teams and spectators, and the match is expected to proceed without any further disruptions.
The Indian Premier League match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, originally scheduled for May 11 in Dharamsala, has been shifted to Ahmedabad due to the closure of airports in Chandigarh and Dharamsala, affecting the teams' travel plans.
The decision to change the venue was made after the airports in Chandigarh and Dharamsala were closed, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to look for an alternative location. The match will now take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which is the home ground of the Gujarat Titans. The BCCI has confirmed the venue change, and the match is still scheduled to start at 3:30 PM IST.
The Mumbai Indians team had initially planned to travel to Dharamsala via Chandigarh, but the airport closures forced them to cancel their plans. The team will now travel to Ahmedabad on Thursday evening. The Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) has asked the BCCI to consult with the Gujarat Titans, who have two home games scheduled around the match, to ensure a smooth transition.
The closure of airports in Chandigarh and Dharamsala is reportedly due to concerns over potential retaliation from Pakistan following India's aggression. The tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. India accused Pakistan-based elements, but provided no evidence, leading to a series of retaliatory measures from Pakistan.
The shift in venue may pose operational challenges, including rebranding the stadium in time, but the BCCI is working to ensure a successful match. The Punjab Kings-Mumbai Indians match is expected to be a thrilling encounter, and the change in venue is unlikely to dampen the enthusiasm of the fans.