Punjab Kings v Mumbai Indians game of IPL 2025 that was scheduled for May 11 in Dharamshala is now to take place in Ahmedabad, this was confirmed on Thursday by the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) Secretary, Anil Patel.
"Yes, we are hosting the Punjab-Mumbai IPL match. The BCCI approached us at the last minute, and we decided to accommodate them by hosting the match in Ahmedabad since we have the facility to do so. We've also received word from Mumbai that their team will be arriving in Ahmedabad tonight," said Patel.
But he said, "We have not received updates on how the Punjab team will be coming to Ahmedabad. There is a likelihood that they will arrive here on a chartered flight tomorrow morning," he told IANS.
The shift in venue follows Dharamshala, and several other northern Indian cities, having its airports closed until May 10 in response to the Indian army's launch of 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7, targeting nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Suspension of civilian air traffic to and from Dharamshala resulted in serious logistical issues for the BCCI in organizing the match. As a result, the match has been relocated to Ahmedabad, and the Narendra Modi Stadium, Gujarat Titans' home ground, will host the PBKS-MI clash.
As per IANS, Mumbai was considered the hosts initially, but eventually, the stakeholders chose Ahmedabad to prevent any home advantage for the teams and maintain equity in the ongoing tournament.
Punjab Kings had opted for Dharamshala as their destination for three games of this season—against Lucknow Super Giants, which was played by 37 runs. Then they will play against Delhi Capitals on Thursday night and their third home game will be in Ahmedabad.
Currently, PBKS is third in the points table with 15 points from 11 matches, and Mumbai Indians are fourth with 14 points from 12 matches. Both teams are still in the running to qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs.
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