(Image source from: x.com/DelhiCapitals)

The match in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) involving the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was halted after just 10.1 overs during the first innings. Official broadcasters reported that the game was suspended due to a "major technical issue at the HPCA Stadium." In an interview with the news agency IANS, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal explained that the match was terminated as a safety precaution in light of a red alert issued in Jammu. Following the abandonment of the PBKS vs DC match, evacuation procedures were quickly implemented for fans, players, and officials at the HPCA Stadium. According to a report by Devendra Pandey and Venkata Krishna B in The Indian Express, the evacuation was so prompt that "many of the players arrived at the hotel still wearing their pads."

Before the match was paused, the Punjab Kings had surged to a score of 122/1 in 10.1 overs, primarily driven by a dynamic performance from opener Priyansh Arya, who scored a dazzling 70 off just 34 deliveries, while Prabhsimran Singh was not out at 50 when the play stopped. The match had begun late due to rainfall affecting the toss in Dharamsala. When the toss finally occurred, the Punjab Kings won and chose to bat first.

As PBKS aimed for victory against Delhi, they were aware that a win would secure their position as the first team to qualify for the top four in the playoffs. Both franchises have been part of the IPL since its inception 18 years ago, albeit under different names, and neither has claimed the championship title. For either team to alter that narrative this season, securing a playoff berth is essential. Following the match's suspension, Punjab Kings remained in third place with 16 points from 12 games, while Delhi held fifth place with 14 points. Shreyas Iyer's team was tied on points with the top two teams, Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, a victory that day would have propelled them to the top with a total of 17 points.