On May 8, Dharmsala witnessed a historic moment in Indian Premier League (IPL) history when the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abruptly abandoned in the first innings due to security concerns related to escalating tensions at the India-Pakistan border.

Alyssa Healy, captain of the Australia women’s cricket team and wife of star bowler Mitchell Starc, observed the unfolding chaos from the sidelines alongside family members of Delhi Capitals players and staff. Initially, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) attributed the disruption to a technical failure of the floodlights.

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However, reports later indicated that the real cause was heightened security alerts triggered by nearby air-raid sirens. Punjab Kings were well-placed at 122 for 1 in 10.1 overs when the lights suddenly failed, leading to the evacuation of the players from the field.

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal was seen directing spectators to evacuate the stadium as a blackout was mandated throughout Dharmsala.

Healy described the episode as surreal and noted the level of caution exercised by security during the evacuation.

“It was surreal. A few light towers suddenly went out, and we were left waiting. Our group, which included family and support staff, was quickly alerted. The person coordinating our group approached with a pale face,” she recalled on The Willow Talk Podcast.

The wicketkeeper-batter shared that DC star Faf du Plessis was even without shoes when they reached the dressing rooms. When she asked Starc, he told her about drone sightings and nearby air-raid warnings.

“He said, ‘we need to go right now.’ Soon after, another person emerged looking frightened and grabbed a child, insisting, ‘we need to leave.’ We had no information and were confused. Before we knew it, we were herded into a holding room with the players—including a shoeless Faf. Mitch informed me that a town 60 km away had been hit by missiles, prompting the blackout,” she detailed. “The stadium lights had gone out since Dharmsala was a beacon. Suddenly, we were packed into vans and rushed back to our hotel. It was chaotic.”

She further noted, “We headed southwest toward the Pakistan border, which was slightly terrifying. Mitch and I joked about our Call of Duty experience as we spotted missile sites ready for action. In some small towns, locals decided it was the right time to set off fireworks. Everyone in the vicinity was startled. I hope it was a wedding celebration, but the timing was unfortunate. It was a mix of anxiety and fear, yet I felt we would be safe, as we weren’t in the direct line of danger.”

Eventually, players, staff, families, and broadcasters were evacuated from Dharmsala and escorted to Jalandhar railway station under heavy security.

They traveled to New Delhi on a special ‘Vande Bharat Express’ train.

Following the incident, the IPL was suspended for a week. The BCCI announced on May 12, after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire, that the tournament would resume on May 17, with the final now scheduled for June 3 instead of the previously planned May 25.

Following the BCCI’s announcement to resume the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday, shifting the schedule by a week, various franchises are expressing concerns regarding their overseas players’ availability, as it conflicts with international commitments.

The BCCI had suspended the IPL for a week on May 9 due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, after the May 8 match in Dharamsala between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was halted. As the tournament approaches playoff stages, the participation of several foreign players remains uncertain.

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With England and West Indies scheduled for a white-ball series from May 29 to June 3, there is a strong possibility that several players will miss the playoffs due to overlapping dates with international fixtures.

Consequently, uncertainty looms over the availability of multiple players from both sides. Recently, England announced a 16-player squad for their ODI series against West Indies, featuring players like Jos Buttler (GT), Jacob Bethell (RCB), Will Jacks (MI), Jofra Archer (RR), and Jamie Overton (CSK). Meanwhile, Romario Shepherd (RCB), Sherfane Rutherford (GT), and Shamar Joseph (LSG) are part of the Caribbean team.

Teams like Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are well-positioned for the playoffs, but the absence of their foreign stars may necessitate contingency planning. While England players are expected to return before Saturday, they might depart again prior to the playoffs due to their international duties.

Both Jacks and Buttler are likely to have a brief return to the IPL before the ODI series begins. Reports indicate that Bethell will participate in RCB’s next two matches but will miss the final group match in Lucknow to join the England squad in Birmingham for the first ODI at Edgbaston.

Prior to the IPL mega auction last November, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) assured that centrally contracted players would be fully available for the IPL in 2025. However, the rescheduling of the IPL could affect their availability as the final is set for June 3.

“No Objection Certificates were issued based on the original IPL dates, so we will need to reconsider any possible extensions, especially regarding any conflict with the final white-ball squad,” an ECB representative stated to ESPNcricinfo.

Additionally, the World Test Championship final (WTC) between Australia and South Africa, beginning June 11 at Lord’s, could further complicate many players’ participation in IPL 2025.

It has been reported that the eight South African players selected for the WTC final are expected to depart India by May 25, as per the initial NOCs given to them. Players like Kagiso Rabada (GT), Lungi Ngidi (RCB), Tristan Stubbs (DC), Aiden Markram (LSG), and others are to return home before traveling to the UK on May 30.

South Africa’s coach Shukri Conrad and director of national teams Enoch Nkwe have confirmed that the May 25 return deadline remains in accordance with the pre-season agreement between the BCCI and Cricket South Africa.

“The original agreement with IPL-BCCI stipulated that our players would return on the 26th, allowing adequate time before our departure on the 30th,” Conrad said in Johannesburg after announcing South Africa’s squad for the WTC final.

“Discussions are ongoing at higher levels regarding this matter. We want our players back by the 26th, and we hope that will happen.” Nkwe, present during the squad announcement, conveyed that CSA is hopeful that players would prioritize the WTC.

“Ultimately, it’s an individual decision whether to return or continue playing. However, we have clearly communicated our intent to adhere to the original plan for WTC preparations, with May 26 as the latest return date for Test players,” Nkwe added.

If CSA adheres to the agreement, teams like Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings may have to contend without Rabada and Jansen or Josh Inglis in the playoffs.

Australian players in the WTC final face a similar dilemma, although it’s understood that skipper Pat Cummins and opener Travis Head plan to return to complete remaining commitments with the eliminated Sunrisers Hyderabad. “Pat has responsibilities as franchise captain and intends to return,” his manager, Neil Maxwell, mentioned.

Cricket Australia has left the decision of IPL participation to the players. “After the announcement that the IPL will resume on Saturday, Cricket Australia will support players in their individual decisions regarding their return to India,” a CA spokesperson stated.

Football’s colors, entwined with Begusarai. This isn’t merely a slogan on the pillars of a flyover under construction—it’s a quiet revolution that started with broken bones and bruised egos in a forgotten corner of Bihar.

Nestled away from Patna’s hustle, in the modest area of Barauni in the Begusarai district, football didn’t just arrive; it battled its way in. This ground, a piece of land honoring freedom fighter Yamuna Bhagat, became an unexpected home for football nearly 80 years ago.

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The true ignition of its modern journey occurred in 1990, when a hastily gathered girls’ team—untrained and uncertain—faced a seasoned Muzaffarpur team during an exhibition match commemorating the ground’s 50th anniversary.

Some girls limped away, others were carried off, all bearing scars that ran deeper than flesh. Rather than succumb to shame, it sparked a movement. “We were humiliated. But we transformed that pain into purpose,” recalls Chandra Shekhar, a retired teacher and former player, whose words carry the weight of generations.

“The ground’s story goes back to the pre-Independence era when Yamuna Bhagat set up a library to educate youth from marginalized communities after his release from prison. The real change occurred in 1990 as we prepared to celebrate the ground’s 50 years,” Chandra reflected on the tribe’s dedication to nurturing young female football talent.

“We had invited two teams for an exhibition match, but only one made it. As hosts, we felt embarrassed and quickly decided to form a team with local girls who had never played before,” he recounted.

“Regrettably, some girls suffered fractures, and many left with injuries that went beyond physical pain. This loss deep down affected us all. The entire village came together to form a team; we managed to hire a few coaches with whatever funds we could muster,” said Chandra Shekhar.

A year later, emboldened by community support, Begusarai’s girls returned to compete—not just to participate. They triumphed over Ara 1-0, a team featuring former India striker Poonam—not just for the score, but for their determination.

That single goal echoed a powerful message: We belong here.

Through the next three decades, Barauni evolved into a hub of football aspirations, steered by unsung champions like Chandra Shekhar and former Mohun Bagan goalkeeper-turned-mentor Sanjeev Kumar Singh, who traded a secure Army career for a love of the game.

Together, they nurtured talent, guided generations, and safeguarded a ground that once brought them down but later built them up. Sanjeev candidly acknowledged that his commitment to football often meant neglecting family obligations, yet he emphasized someone had to bear the load.

“For my family, I might seem inadequate, but that’s just how it is. I try to support them, but football is my true passion. Everyone else is busy with their jobs, so someone had to take charge. It’s a sacrifice made from love, not duty. A choice that helped us host Santosh Trophy matches in 2018, and now India’s premier youth sporting event,” Sanjeev shared, emotions brimming.

Today, Begusarai stands as a 12-time state champion, supplying 70% of Bihar’s squad. The football culture, deeply anchored in community pride, has brought Barauni onto the national stage, preparing to host the Khelo India Youth Games 2025.

This is the recognition of three decades of quiet dedication, community sacrifices, and football played with passion, rather than just skill. Scouts from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) are in the area, searching for talent that often traces its roots back to this village.

For many, KIYG is merely a platform. For Barauni, it represents validation—a celebration of a village that transformed heartbreak into heritage.