'Indian Army did everything for us' - Vipraj Nigam appreciates authorities' efforts for Dharamshala to Delhi evacuation
"Everyone knows what the situation was and why it was. But there were some Indian Army people in our team," said Nigam.
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The Delhi Capitals (DC) spinner Vipraj Nigam expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Army and the Government of India for ensuring the safe evacuation of players from Dharamshala, after the IPL 2025 game at the HPCA Stadium between DC and Punjab Kings had to be abandoned mid-way due to the cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.
The match was initially interrupted due to floodlight issues, and was eventually called-off due to a regional blackout in Dharamshala, which is located roughly 50 miles from the Indo-Pak border. On considering the security issues, several overseas players decided not to return to the Indian land for the resumption of the league as well.
The DC all-rounder acknowledged the support received during the challenging time, by stating that many individuals came forward to help the players through the crisis.
"Everyone knows what the situation was and why it was. But there were some Indian Army people in our team. Many people came to help us to take us home. The situation was normal in the beginning. But after that, they made arrangements for us very easily," Nigam said in the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
"The Indian Government and the Indian Army did everything for us. It is better not to call it an experience. But whatever it was, it happened in the past. But I am thankful to the Indian Government and the Indian Army, that they brought us home safely," Vipraj added.
PBKS were in a commanding position at 122 for 1 in 10.1 overs when the situation at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala escalated rapidly due to cross-border tensions. As a security precaution, both teams and spectators were immediately evacuated from the venue.
After the incident, the IPL 2025 season was paused for a week. The players and support staff from both franchises were safely transported from Dharamsala to Jalandhar railway station via Hoshiarpur. They boarded a specially-arranged Vande Bharat Express and reached New Delhi under tight security.
The tournament resumed on May 17 with revised fixtures, and the final is scheduled to be played on June 3. Both DC and PBKS remain in the hunt for a play-offs' spot, with PBKS currently third while, the Axar Patel-led side being fifth on the IPL 2025 Points Table.
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