Friday's IPL game on as of now, we are reviewing the situation: IPL chairman Arun Dhumal
Dharamsala, May 8 (PTI): IPL chairman Arun Dhumal on Thursday said government directives are being awaited before deciding on whether to continue with the league amid the military clash with Pakistan but Friday's match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru "is on as of now".
The league's continuation is in serious doubt after Thursday's match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was called off midway following air raid alerts in nearby cities of Jammu and Pathankot.
"We are reviewing the situation right now. It is an evolving situation. We haven't received any directive from the government. Obviously the decision will be taken keeping all the logistics in mind," Dhumal told PTI.
Asked about Friday's game in Lucknow, he said: "Yes it is on as of now but obviously it is an evolving situation and any decision will be taken keeping the best interest of all stakeholders in mind."
Following the abandonment in Dharamsala, players and support staff of both teams will be transported to Delhi via a special train from Pathankot, located about 85 km from the hill town.
The teams will travel to Pathankot by road. Dharamsala's lone airport, along with the ones in neighbouring Kangra and Chandigarh, are currently closed as part of precautionary measures to thwart potential Pakistani attacks.
India's military strikes are in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
IPL chairman requesting to fans leave the Dharamsala Stadium. pic.twitter.com/efHKPcTN8Z
— Chandan Jyante (@ChandanJyante) May 8, 2025
The HPCA stadium is being evacuated quickly!
— ek aadmi 🧠(@subhoPSD07) May 8, 2025
Players, spectators and personnel are seen exiting the venue in Dharamsala#droneattacks pic.twitter.com/AXbTuuc95f
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
