IPL chairman, who directed fans to evacuation during Operation Sindoor, speaks out on India vs Pakistan

Arun Dhumal, IPL chairman, affirmed India's commitment to playing Pakistan only in ACC/ICC events, adhering to government policy amidst Asia Cup boycott call. This decision follows heightened tensions after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, leading to military action. Couple of months ago, Dhumal also managed a crisis during the IPL when PBKS' match in Dharamsala was halted before the league was paused.

Arun Dhumal (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal discussed India's position on playing Pakistan in multi-nation tournaments at the Playcom Business of Sports Summit 2025. The BCCI official clarified that India would only face Pakistan in ACC/ICC events, following government policy. This development comes amid controversy surrounding India-Pakistan matches in the Asia Cup, scheduled for September 14 in Dubai. The Indian government has established new guidelines for sporting engagements with Pakistan. Indian teams and athletes can participate in international events featuring Pakistani participants but will not engage in bilateral competitions or events hosted in Pakistan.

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"I would like to wish Team India all the best. I think the government has clarified its position. We are not going to play Pakistan, but we are going to play them in ACC/ICC events. So we will follow what the government says," Dhumal stated. The tension between the nations escalated following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed 26 tourists' lives. India responded with Operation Sindoor on May 7 to target terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and within Pakistan. Curiously, Dhumal was central to the evacuation effort in Dharamsala when the IPL was halted during heated political situation between India and Pakistan. As tensions escalated, the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abandoned at first and then the league was temporarily paused until the situation improved. In a viral video, Dhumal walked onto the field and urged the crowd to exit the stadium immediately. In the wake of the mid-game cancellation, players and support staff from both sides were transported to Delhi via a special train. The match was paused after Pakistan attempted drone attacks near Chandigarh. In an interview later, Dhumal stated his priority was to ensure the crowd made their way out of the venue calmly, without triggering panic. "...when the announcement was made on the public address system about floodlights going off, people didn't want to leave. We had to ensure that the evacuation of spectators happened without pressing the panic button. We couldn't have allowed a stampede," Dhumal told PTI. "...you need to understand that the match was very exciting in the manner Punjab was batting...The entire operation wouldn't have been possible without the help of the local police and district administration. They did a splendid job."Team India sponsor in '2-3 weeks' Dhumal also addressed Team India's sponsorship situation saying, "We have started the ball rolling as far as finding a new sponsor is concerned, and in 2-3 weeks, you will get to know that." The Indian team is currently playing the Asia Cup without a lead sponsor after Dream11's withdrawal. The BCCI has initiated the sponsorship selection process, with September 12 as the deadline for purchasing invitation of interest and September 16 for bid submissions. Dream11's exit followed the Indian government's passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, which restricts real-money gaming. The company's contract, valued at 44 million USD (approximately Rs 358 crore), was originally set to run until 2026 but included an exit clause for such regulatory changes. The BCCI's Annual General Meeting is scheduled for September 28, where elections for key positions, including the president, will take place. On this matter, Dhumal commented, "We will have the nomination starting in a week's time, so we will get to know. We will have a better picture as to who is going to be the next BCCI chief."

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