Matthew Hayden recounted the unsettling experience during the IPL 2025 when India-Pakistan tensions led to airspace closures and heightened security. Commentators were briefed about potential emergency evacuations due to drone threats, leading to a sudden stadium evacuation during a match. Hayden highlighted the IPL's resilience in the face of various challenges throughout its history.
Himachal rains: Three dead, one injured as sudden downpour triggers flood in Mandi
CHANDIGARH: At least three people have died and one injured missing in Mandi town of Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rain overnight. More than 20 vehicles have been submerged and around two dozen houses partially damaged; the Chandigarh-Manali national highway, Chandigarh-Dharamsala, Mandi-Pathankot and Shimla-Mataur highways have been blocked. Sources said that a flash flood struck Mandi district early Tuesday morning. Four members of a family had reportedly come out of their house in the wee hours to shift their vehicle to a safer place, but were swept away in the sudden flood; three have been confirmed dead, while one person suffered a fracture and has been admitted to a local hospital. The incident occured on Jail Road Tungal colony in Mandi town as Sukati nullah overflowed due to sudden heavy rains and caused widespread destruction. The water entered several locations in about five-kilometer area besides the Jail Road, Saini Mohalla and Zonal hospital area. The flashflood washed away dozens of parked vehicles, while muck and debris entered homes and damaged property. Locals were caught off guard by the sudden rise in water levels. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing; teams of SDRF, volunteers and district administration are engaged in clearing debris and are trying to locate the missing person. Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, Apoorva Devgan said that rescue operations are in full swing and about 15 to 20 people have been rescued. The victims were attempting to move their vehicles to safer locations when they were washed away along with their vehicles. The body of one person was found stuck in an auto-rickshaw, he added. Devgan said that more than dozen people trapped inside their houses were rescued. The rescue teams had to break window panes and doors to rescue them as their houses were filled with mud and silt, he said. The flash floods triggered landslides, blocking the Chandigarh-Manali NH at multiple points, specifically at 4 Miles, 9 Miles near Pandoh and Dwada. Also, the Mandi-Pathankot highway is blocked due to a landslide at the Lavandi Bridge near Jogindernagar. Many other interior roads in the district have also been blocked due to landslides and water-logging. A massive landslide triggered by incessant rains blocked the National Highway near Kangra, cutting off the only main road access to Dharamsala, McLeodganj and surrounding areas. Landslides also blocked the Shimla-Mataur National Highway at Old Kangra Ghat and reports of uprooting of trees and electricity have also poured from several parts of the state. The Met office had issued an orange alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated areas of Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Tuesday. It also issued a yellow warning of heavy rains at isolated places in Chamba, Shimla and Sirmaur districts on Tuesday, and Una, Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Wednesday. Since the start of the monsoon season this year from June 20 till July 28, the hill state has suffered a loss of Rs 1523 crore. So far 90 people have died and 35 have gone missing in rain-related incidents and 1320 houses have been fully or partially damaged in the state. A total of 200 roads, including 121 in the disaster-hit Mandi district, were closed for vehicular traffic on Monday night. 62 power distribution transformers and 110 water supply schemes have also been affected across the state, as per the State Emergency Operation Centre. Himachal seeks urgent Central aid as rain-triggered disasters cause Rs 883 crore loss, 109 deaths
Himachal rains: Two dead, one missing as sudden downpour triggers flood in Mandi
CHANDIGARH: At least three people have died and one person has gone missing in Mandi town of Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rain overnight. More than 20 vehicles have been submerged and around two dozen houses partially damaged; the Chandigarh-Manali national highway, Chandigarh-Dharamsala, Mandi-Pathankot and Shimla-Mataur highways have been blocked. Sources said that a flash flood struck Mandi district early Tuesday morning. Four members of a family had reportedly come out of their house in the wee hours to shift their vehicle to a safer place, but were swept away in the sudden flood; the bodies of two persons were recovered, one person is missing, while another person suffered a fracture and has been admitted to a local hospital. The incident occured on Jail Road Tungal colony in Mandi town as Sukati nullah overflowed due to sudden heavy rains and caused widespread destruction. The water entered several locations in about five-kilometer area besides the Jail Road, Saini Mohalla and Zonal hospital area. The flashflood washed away dozens of parked vehicles, while muck and debris entered homes and damaged property. Locals were caught off guard by the sudden rise in water levels. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing; teams of SDRF, volunteers and district administration are engaged in clearing debris and are trying to locate the missing person. Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, Apoorva Devgan said that rescue operations are in full swing and about 15 to 20 people have been rescued, while one missing person is yet to be located. The victims were attempting to move their vehicles to safer locations when they were washed away along with their vehicles. The body of one person was found stuck in an auto-rickshaw, he added. Devgan said that more than dozen people trapped inside their houses were rescued. The rescue teams had to break window panes and doors to rescue them as their houses were filled with mud and silt, he said. The flash floods triggered landslides, blocking the Chandigarh-Manali NH at multiple points, specifically at 4 Miles, 9 Miles near Pandoh and Dwada. Also, the Mandi-Pathankot highway is blocked due to a landslide at the Lavandi Bridge near Jogindernagar. Many other interior roads in the district have also been blocked due to landslides and water-logging. A massive landslide triggered by incessant rains blocked the National Highway near Kangra, cutting off the only main road access to Dharamsala, McLeodganj and surrounding areas. Landslides also blocked the Shimla-Mataur National Highway at Old Kangra Ghat and reports of uprooting of trees and electricity have also poured from several parts of the state. The Met office had issued an orange alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated areas of Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Tuesday. It also issued a yellow warning of heavy rains at isolated places in Chamba, Shimla and Sirmaur districts on Tuesday, and Una, Kangra, Mandi and Kullu districts on Wednesday. Since the start of the monsoon season this year from June 20 till July 28, the hill state has suffered a loss of Rs 1523 crore. So far 90 people have died and 35 have gone missing in rain-related incidents and 1320 houses have been fully or partially damaged in the state. A total of 200 roads, including 121 in the disaster-hit Mandi district, were closed for vehicular traffic on Monday night. 62 power distribution transformers and 110 water supply schemes have also been affected across the state, as per the State Emergency Operation Centre. Himachal seeks urgent Central aid as rain-triggered disasters cause Rs 883 crore loss, 109 deaths
As Dalai Lama turns 90, Congress recalls his 4-hour conversation with Nehru in 1959
On the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday, Jairam Ramesh recounted Nehru's four-hour meeting with him in Mussoorie in 1959, after which the spiritual leader embarked on a nationwide tour. Subsequently, his establishment was set up in Dharamsala, followed by Tibetan settlements in various locations.
Dalai Lama Says His Institution Will Continue; Gaden Phodrang Trust To Recognise The Successor
Dharamsala (HP) Jul 2: Four days ahead of his 90th birthday, Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on Wednesday stated that the institution of Dalai Lama will continue, putting to rest uncertainty over whether he will have a successor after his death. In a statement made on May 21, 2025 in Tibetan language and released by his office in Dharamshala on Wednesday, he said that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has the sole authority to recognise the future Dalai Lama. The 90th [] The post Dalai Lama Says His Institution Will Continue; Gaden Phodrang Trust To Recognise The Successor appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stirred controversy by claiming that Pakistani cyber experts were behind the floodlight failure at an IPL match in Dharamsala. He linked the outage to a broader cyber attack on Indian infrastructure, just days after India launched Operation Sindoor. The match was officially called off due to a regional technical fault, but Asifs statement quickly went viraland not for the right reasons. Online users mocked the claims, questioning both the science and the seriousness behind them.
'Im comfortable': Mitchell Starc ready to face consequences of IPL 2025 withdrawal
Delhi Capitals pacer Mitchell Starc stands by his choice to withdraw from IPL 2025 after its mid-season postponement due to India-Pakistan tensions. Citing concerns before a scheduled match in Dharamsala which is near the border and the Delhi team's difficult travel experiences, Starc prioritised his well-being and shifted focus to red-ball cricket.
Blow for DC as Mitchell Starc Decides Against Returning for Remainder of IPL
According to the 'Australian Associated Press', Starc has told the franchise that he wouldn't be rejoining the team a week after being part of the match in Dharamsala that was called off due to security reasons following air raid alerts in nearby areas.
It Was Complete Madness, We Were Crammed into Vans: Healy Recalls IPL Halt
The IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was called off midway in Dharamsala due to air raid sirens in neighbouring cities
Preity Zinta thanks spectators for not panicking after PBKS-DC match was called off in Dharamshala
New Delhi, May 11: Days after the clash between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was cancelled in Dharamsala amid blackout in the hill town due to Indias ongoing military conflict with Pakistan, actor and co-owner of the Punjab IPL team Preity Zinta on Sunday expressed gratitude to spectators at the stadium for not panicking. At the Thursdays game, the Punjab side was 122 for 1 in 10.1 overs when lights went out which at first was attributed to floodlight failure. [] The post Preity Zinta thanks spectators for not panicking after PBKS-DC match was called off in Dharamshala appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
We had to evacuate 25,000 people without pressing panic button: IPL chairman Arun Dhumal
During a Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals IPL match in Dharamsala, air raid sirens in nearby cities prompted IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal to initiate a swift evacuation of 25,000 spectators. Dhumal coordinated with local authorities and team management to ensure a calm and orderly departure, prioritizing safety amidst security concerns following drone attacks.
Centre extends closure of 24 airports for civilian flights till May 15
NEW DELHI: At least 24 airports in northern and western parts of the country, including Srinagar and Chandigarh, have been shut for civilian flights till May 15, sources said on Friday. Earlier, these airports were closed for civilian flights till May 10 in view of the military conflict between India and Pakistan. Airlines on Friday said that their flights have been cancelled due to the temporary closure of airports till May 15. The sources said at least 24 airports have been closed for civilian flights till 05:29 hours of May 15. The airports include Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishengarh, Patiala, Shimla, Dharamsala, and Bathinda. Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Leh, Bikaner, Pathankot, Jammu, Jamnagar, and Bhuj are among the other airports that have been temporarily closed for civilian flights. Following a notification from aviation authorities on continued closure of multiple airports in India, Air India flights to and from the following stations -- Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar and Rajkot -- are being cancelled till 0529 hrs IST on 15 May, the airline said in a post on X. Air India also said customers holding valid tickets for travel during this period will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations. In a post on X, IndiGo said in accordance with the latest directives from the relevant authorities, all flights to and from 10 destinations will remain cancelled until 0529 hours on May 15 due to temporary airport closures. The airports are Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Bikaner, Rajkot, Jodhpur and Kishangarh. These precautionary measures have been instituted with your safety and security as our highest priority, the airline said. The military conflict between India and Pakistan has intensified. Under Operation Sindoor, armed forces had carried out strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday in retaliation against the Pahalgam terror attack that had killed at least 26 people last month.
IPL suspended indefinitely amid rising Indo-Pak tensions
New Delhi: The Indian Premier League (IPL) was on Friday suspended indefinitely due to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. A cloud of uncertainty had loomed over the future of the ongoing edition since the cancellation of Thursdays match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala midway following air raid alerts in neighbouring [] The post IPL suspended indefinitely amid rising Indo-Pak tensions appeared first on Northlines .
IPL 2025 suspended: What happens to your match tickets now?
The Indian Premier League faces indefinite suspension. This follows heightened military tension between India and Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India prioritises safety. A recent match in Dharamsala was disrupted by air raid alerts. This situation arose after a terror attack in Pahalgam. The attack resulted in civilian casualties. Ticket refund details are awaited.
India-Pakistan Conflict: BCCI To Make Final Decision On IPL Today
Sunday's game between Punjab and Mumbai Indians, which had been due to take place in Dharamsala, has been moved
IPL 2025 faces uncertainty amid rising Indo-Pak conflict
Dharamsala: The high-octane excitement of IPL 2025 hangs in the balance as escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan raise serious concerns over the tournaments smooth continuation. The IPL jamboree was brought to a screeching halt here on Thursday by air raid alerts in neighbouring cities, forcing the leagues administrators to pause and review the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Friday's IPL game on as of now, we are reviewing the situation: Dhumal
Match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was called off midway following air raid alerts in nearby cities of Jammu and Pathankot
Dharamsala Game Called Off Midway; IPL Continuation In Doubt Amid Indo-Pak Conflict
Reliable IPL sources have revealed that foreign recruits want to head home at the earliest.
IPL 2025 to be cancelled amid India-Pakistan tensions? Chairman Arun Dhumal gives BIG update
The IPL schedule has already been impacted by recent events, with the May 11 game between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings in Dharamsala being relocated to Ahmedabad.
Given the escalating tensions following multiple attacks from Pakistan in various parts of India, it is imperative that the players and support staff are relocated promptly.
Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals IPL match called off in Dharamsala amid Pak's attack in nearby areas
IPL 2025: Will LSG vs RCB match be held on Friday after Pakistan attacks on India?
The IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala on Thursday evening was stopped halfway because of a major technical issue at the stadium.
IPL match between PBKS & DC called off amid blackout in Dharamsala
Dharamsala: The IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals here on Thursday was called off due to security reasons following air raid alerts in nearby areas, which forced a blackout in the hill town. The Punjab side was 122 for 1 in 10.1 overs when the lights went out which at first was attributed Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
IPL 2025: Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals IPL 2025 match was abruptly halted midway due to a sudden failure of the floodlights.
May 11 IPL Fixture In Dharamsala Moved To Ahmedabad
BCCI requested us and we accepted. Mumbai Indians are arriving later today and travel plans of Punjab Kings will be known later, said Patel.
IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals called off midway as Dharamsala goes dark
IPL match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals called off midway
IPL match between PBKS vs DC called-off due to floodlight failure in Dharamsala
The Punjab Kings versus Delhi Capitals IPL match faced cancellation. This occurred due to floodlight issues in Dharamsala. Punjab Kings had scored 122 for one. The BCCI then shifted the Punjab Kings versus Mumbai Indians game. The match will now take place in Ahmedabad. The change is due to the closure of Dharamsala airport. This follows military action in Pakistan.
IPL 2025: PBKS vs DC match stopped at Dharamsala amid India-Pakistan war
A blackout is being observed at the Dharamshala cricket stadium. Earlier, the toss in the IPL 2025 clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was delayed due to rain.
There are concerns about the logistics of the match in Dharamshala on Sunday due to the city's airport being shut down after Indian armed forces attacked terror sites in Pakistan and POK as part of Operation Sindoor.
IPL 2025 Live: Toss For PBKS vs DC Game In Dharamshala Delayed, Reason Is...
Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals LIVE Score, IPL 2025: There is a slight drizzle at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala that has delayed the toss
IPL 2025: MI vs PBKS Match Relocated As India-Pakistan Tensions Intensify
The match between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings was due to take place in Dharamsala, where the airport has closed in the wake of violence between India and neighbouring Pakistan
PBKS vs DC Key Players: Punjab Kings will play Delhi Capitals in a vital IPL 2025 match. The game takes place at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala. Punjab Kings need one win to secure a playoff spot. Delhi Capitals require a win to stay in contention. The Government cleared the match in Dharamsala. However, the May 11 fixture moved to Mumbai.
IPL match in Dharamsala for May 11 moved to Ahmedabad amid escalating tensions with Pakistan
The Dharamsala airport has been closed for commercial flights at least until May 10 in the wake of India's military strikes on terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir
Desperate DC face in-form PBKS in must-win IPL clash
DHARAMSALA, May 7: Delhi Capitals will be desperate to arrest their slump and stay in contention for the playoffs when they take on a high-flying Punjab Kings in a crucial IPL match here on Thursday. DC have endured three losses and a no result due to rain in their last five games, and are currently placed fifth on the table with 13 points from 11 matches. The Axar Patel-led side had a disappointing time at home, managing just one win [] The post Desperate DC face in-form PBKS in must-win IPL clash appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
The IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians may be moved from Dharamsala to Mumbai due to increased security concerns stemming from tensions between India and Pakistan.
With airport shut, IPL teams face logistical challenge ahead of games in Dharamsala
New Delhi/Dharamsala, May 7: The travel plans of IPL teams which are scheduled to play in Dharamsala this week have gone for a toss due to the temporary closure of the hill towns airport after Indias missile attack on Pakistan and the BCCI is weighing its options to deal with the volatile situation. Dharamsala, which is due to host the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals clash on Thursday, has one more match left on schedule the May 11 game [] The post With airport shut, IPL teams face logistical challenge ahead of games in Dharamsala appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Following 'Operation Sindoor,' the IPL match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians on May 11 has been relocated from Dharamshala to Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium due to the closure of the Dharamshala airport. Concerns also rise about PBKS's May 8 match against Delhi Capitals, with potential rescheduling due to flight cancellations and security considerations near the border.
IPL Teams' Travel Plans Affected as Dharamsala Airport Shut in Wake of Operation Sindoor
Dharamsala is due to host the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals clash on Thursday and the May 11 game between Punjab and Mumbai Indians
IPL teams' travel plans affected as Dharamsala airport shut in wake of 'Operation Sindoor'
India's missile strikes on terror targets in Pakistan have led to the temporary closure of multiple northern airports, including Dharamsala, disrupting IPL travel plans. The Punjab Kings, currently in Dharamsala, face no immediate issues, but Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians may need to alter logistics for their upcoming matches.
One killed, nine injured as unidentified aircraft crashes in village near Punjab's Bathinda
CHANDIGARH: One civilian killed and nine others injured as an unidentified aircraft caught fire and crashed in Aklian Kalan village of Bathinda district in Punjab. The deceased has been identified as Govind a farm labourer hailing from Charkhi Dadri in Haryana, sources said. The aircraft crashed around 2 am in harvested wheat fields, approximately 500 meters from the nearest residential area. There was no information about the pilot till this report was filed. After the crash, public approached the burning wreckage and discovered Govind and the other injured. As per eyewitnesses, several farm labourers were at the local grain market late Tuesday night when they noticed an aircraft flying unusually low. The eyewitnesses further added that they woke up to the loud sound of a crashing aircraft, which immediately caught fire. As aircraft was spotted which was in flames people rushed to rescue the pilots. As the villagers were rushing towards the plane, it exploded and several of them were hurt, said a local. Defence personnel and police teams cordoned off the crash site and fire tenders plunged into action at the scene. The district administration is tight-lipped about the identity of the plane stating that any comment on the incident will be issued only by the defence authorities. Senior officials of the district administration reached the crash site and also police have been stationed at the hospital. The injured Govind was immediately rushed to the public health centre in Goniana, where he was declared dead on arrival. While the other injured were taken to Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Civil Hospital, from where at least one was referred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bathinda. Meanwhile all schools will remain closed in five border districts of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Amritsar and Pathankot of the state in the wake of tension between India and Pakistan. The Ferozepur Deputy Commissioner had issued an order that all schools in the district will remain closed on Wednesday. In Pathankot, all schools will remain shut for 72 hours. Meanwhile the flight operations from Chandigarh, Amritsar and Dharamsala airports suspended. Further, Air India announced that all flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Chandigarh, Jamnagar and Rajkot have been cancelled for May 7 till 12 noon, pending updates from authorities. Ministry of Home Affairs, bureau of immigration closes Kartarpur Corridor till further orders. 150 pilgrims , who had gathered at the Integrated check post today morning , were asked to return home after being made to wait for 90 minutes. In retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack , Indian armed forces early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base in Muridke. The military strikes were carried out under 'Operation Sindoor', two weeks after the massacre of 26 civilians at Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir.
Photos: Pants troubles continue as Punjab Kings push LSG towards exit door
Dharamsala: Rishabh Pant lost the grip on his bat and the match simultaneously as Punjab Kings rode on heroics from the two Singhs Prabhsimran and Arshdeep to literally push Lucknow Super Giants to the brink of elimination with a 37-run win in an IPL match here on Sunday. It was Prabhsimrans 48-ball 91 Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
IPL playoff dream still alive: Rishabh Pant
Dharamsala: Disappointed but not deflated, Lucknow Super Giants skipper Rishabh Pant is still dreaming of sneaking into the IPL play-offs as he believes his struggling side can turn things around in the remaining three games. Another poor batting effort by the top order led LSGs 37-run defeat at the hands of Punjab Kings on Sunday. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Sending Inglis at No. 3 was Iyers call: Ponting
DHARAMSALA, May 5: Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting revealed it was skipper Shreyas Iyers tactical call to promote Josh Inglis to number 3 to counter Lucknow Super Giants tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav. To everyones surprise Inglis, who has batted mostly in the middle order this season, walked in during the very first over after opener Priyansh Arya fell cheaply and immediately set the tone for PBKS innings. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter smashed a 14-ball 30, which included four sixes [] The post Sending Inglis at No. 3 was Iyers call: Ponting appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pants troubles continue as Punjab Kings push LSG towards exit door
DHARAMSALA, May 4: Rishabh Pant lost the grip on his bat and the match simultaneously as Punjab Kings rode on heroics from the two Singhs Prabhsimran and Arshdeep to literally push Lucknow Super Giants to the brink of elimination with a 37-run win in an IPL match here on Sunday. It was Prabhsimrans 48-ball 91 that formed the cornerstone of Punjab Kings unassailable 236 for 5 and any hopes of a remarkable chase was nipped in the bud [] The post Pants troubles continue as Punjab Kings push LSG towards exit door appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
PBKS vs LSG Pitch Report: HPCA Stadium surface and Dharamsala weather conditions
Punjab Kings, currently fourth, will face Lucknow Super Giants, placed sixth, in a crucial match at Dharamshala. PBKS openers are in great form, but their middle order is struggling. LSG are inconsistent and heavily rely on their top order, with concerns about Pant and Miller's contributions. While PBKS bowling looks reliable, LSG's pacers have been leaking runs.
Tourists cancel Kashmir bookings, shift to Himachal after Pahalgam attack fallout
CHANDIGARH: Tourists now prefer vacationing in Himachal Pradesh over Jammu and Kashmir after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 persons were killed. Approximately 15-20% of both domestic and international bookings have shifted from Kashmir to Himachal's popular destinations including Manali, Shimla and Dharamshala; however, the surge in footfall is not as expected as tourists have adopted a 'wait-and-watch' policy amid prevailing uncertainties and hostilities between India and Pakistan. Ashwani Bamba, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Kangra, told TNIE that, after the terror attack, tour operators and potential tourists inquired for booking in Himachal and Uttarakhand and that they expected the surge to be significant. But, actually only 15-20% of tourists shifted from J&K to Himachal and the rest probably prefer to not venture out during this summer season owing to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Thus, the occupancy of hotels across the state at present is around 40% only, the same as last year. Bookings that were shifted were that of tourist groups traveling from Maharashtra, Gujarat and other states, not the immediate bookings in Kashmir which had gotten cancelled, he said. Bamba added that, in Himachal, Manali had the maximum number of shifted bookings at about 20%, while Dharamsala, Dalhousir and Shimla had much fewer. He said that advance bookings had already been made for the IPL matches in Dharamsala. Kashmir tourism stumbles after Pahalgam terror attack, but industry leaders remain hopeful Mohinder Seth, president of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Stakeholders Association, said that tourists are adopting a wait and watch policy due to India-Pakistan tensions. On everyone's mind, there is only one question: What will the Union government do in the coming days? The common is just waiting for that. There were a lot of inquiries after the unfortunate incident as people got diverted from the Kashmir Valley, but the actual number of bookings are very less. In May, generally, there is about 30-40% occupancy across the state, after May 15 we are expecting that it may touch 60-70% as advance bookings are already been done, he said. This tragedy not only upended the tourism sector in Kashmir, but has also impacted the neighboring states of Himachal and Uttarakhand. Ex-President of Manali Hotel Association Mukesh Thakur said that after terror attack there was lot of expectation that the tourist rush will shift to Himachal and lot of queries had also come. But the number of booking which are less as, first, the tourists have to get their booking cancelled and take a refund and then again they will think where to go. Already as predicted that the summers will be hot this year so already there are lot of booking done in advance as far as Manali is concerned. At present around 30-40% occupancy in the hotels here and after May 15 as summer intensifies the occupancy is expected to touch more than 80% as already people have booked. Also is expected that in coming days more online bookings will be done. The tourism industry contributes 7.78 per cent to the GDP of the hill state. As per the Economic Survey report for Himachal Pradesh for 2024-25, the number of domestic visitors increased to 1.8 crore in 2024 from 56.32 lakh in 2021 while the surge in foreign tourists was 83,000 in 2024 from 5000 in 2021. On the other hand the tourism industry contributes 7.2 per cent to the GDP of Jammu and Kashmir.
