If you’ve been viewing the IPL as a sixes, yorkers, and nail-biting finishes bonanza, reconsider. This season the high drama is taking place beyond the boundary- in the skies. The Indian Government’s coupled with a combination of Operation Sindoor has caused restrictions on air access which leaves some teams in a bit of a travel pickle. Here is what we know.
Travel Trouble- Airports Closed, Teams Stuck
As India struck terrorist camps in Pakistan, several airports near the border including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot, have been closed until at least 5:30 AM IST on May 10. This means that teams like the Mumbai Indians (MI), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Delhi Capitals (DC) who have a game scheduled in Dharamsala this week are going to be faced with chaos and disruption.
In the case of the PBKS and DC, both teams made there way to the hill station for their game on May 8, but it will be MI who might have to rethink their travel to the crucial game. With the airports closed, it is possible that MI’s only options might be a long, bumpy bus ride from Delhi or simply a rescheduled match away from Dharamsala. Very nice not an optimal prep for a professional cricket team.
What’s Next for the BCCI? What’s next for the teams?
According to a senior official from the BCCI, the “situation is fluid.” “We have to see what can be done,” he said. “The nearest option is Delhi airport and that would mean a long road journey for the teams. We are monitoring and tracking advisories from the government and we will see what is necessary.”
So as of now it appears there is no final word from the BCCI, however it is clear contingency plans are on the table. Will we see the usual on the field last-minute drama this week? Most likely, but that necessitates the type of unpredictability, intensity, and drama we can rely on for the IPL.
Will the Show Go on?
For the minute, the DC vs PBKS match remains as planned, however, if the airspace opens suddenly, MI’s travel recovery could be delayed. Will we see them arrive in time or will we see another sport make a late decision to move venues?
We want to hear your thoughts below, do you think the effect on travel will have an impact on the on-field? Will the issues overcome?
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