In a chilling revelation on the Willow Talk podcast, Australian cricketer Alyssa Healy opened up about a night of terror during the IPL 2025 season in Dharamsala. What began as a routine match day at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium turned into a nightmare when a serious security threat forced an emergency evacuation of players, support staff, and families.
Healy, who was in Dharamsala supporting her husband, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, described the surreal moments when panic gripped everyone present. ‘It was utterly surreal,’ she recalled. ‘We were waiting at the top of the stands when suddenly a couple of the light towers went out. The next thing we knew, our team coordinator rushed up, his face as white as a sheet, and said, We need to leave right now.’ Within moments, another official echoed the urgency, grabbing a child and repeating the same desperate plea.
The root of the chaos was a reported security breach on May 8, 2025, when intelligence suggested a potential missile threat near Chandigarh, roughly 200 kilometers from Dharamsala. According to Healy, whispers of an attack spread like wildfire among the players. ‘I turned to Mitch and asked what was happening. He told me a nearby town, barely 60 kilometers away, had been hit, and there was a complete blackout. That’s why the stadium lights were shut off—Dharamsala was like a beacon in the dark, an easy target.’
The situation escalated as players, including stars like Faf du Plessis—who didn’t even have time to put on shoes—were herded into a holding area for safety. ‘It was madness,’ Healy shared. ‘We were shuffled into vans and driven south-west, closer to the border, which was even more terrifying. On the way, we saw Indian military preparations. It felt like we were in the middle of a war zone.’
The incident led to the immediate abandonment of the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match, with the BCCI suspending the IPL temporarily for safety assessments. After extensive consultations with government and security agencies, the league resumed on May 17 with a blockbuster clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru. The abandoned PBKS vs DC game has been rescheduled to May 24 in Jaipur, one of six venues—alongside Bengaluru, Delhi, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai—hosting the remainder of the league stage. The playoffs are slated for May 29 to June 3.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Healy admitted the fear lingered long after they reached safety. ‘You don’t think about these things when you sign up for a tournament like the IPL,’ she said. ‘But that day reminded us how quickly things can spiral out of control. We’re just grateful everyone made it out unharmed.’ Her account sheds light on the unseen challenges athletes face off the field, especially in high-stakes tournaments like the IPL, where global attention often comes with heightened risks.
As the IPL 2025 season continues under tightened security, this harrowing incident in Dharamsala serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of international sport. For now, fans and players alike hope the focus can return to cricket, with the promise of thrilling encounters ahead in one of the world’s most celebrated T20 leagues.