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Lights Out, Panic On: Alyssa Healy Recounts Terrifying IPL Evacuation
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 was supposed to be a spectacle of thrilling cricket. Instead, a match between the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala turned into a terrifying ordeal for players and fans alike, a night Australian cricket captain Alyssa Healy won't soon forget.
The Sudden Blackout and Frantic Escape
On May 8th, during a seemingly ordinary IPL match, the unthinkable happened. As Healy recounted on the Willow Talk podcast, "All of a sudden a couple of the light towers went out." What initially seemed like a minor technical glitch quickly escalated into a full-blown emergency.
- The panic spread rapidly. Support staff, their faces ashen, barked orders: "We need to go right now!"
- Confusion reigned. No one knew the reason for the sudden evacuation. Players and their families were herded into a holding area, a scene of mounting anxiety.
- Even seasoned professionals were unprepared. Healy noted that South African star Faf du Plessis didn't even have his shoes on as they were rushed out.
The truth, as Healy’s husband Mitchell Starc later explained, was far more alarming. A nearby town had been struck by missiles, triggering a complete blackout and the emergency evacuation. The Dharamsala stadium, plunged into darkness, became a temporary beacon amidst the chaos.
A Harrowing Journey to Safety
The evacuation was anything but orderly. Healy described the frantic scenes: "There was madness. We were crammed into vans and off we go back to the hotel." The journey itself became a terrifying experience.
- The route took them southwest, toward the border. This added another layer of fear to the already tense situation.
- Military preparations were clearly visible. The couple, familiar with military hardware from video games, spotted surface-to-air missile sites along the way. The reality of the situation became starkly clear.
- Even a simple firework caused a collective gasp. The heightened tension meant that even something as commonplace as fireworks in a nearby village sent shivers down everyone's spines.
The players eventually reached safety, but the experience left a lasting impact.
The Aftermath and IPL's Resumption
Following the incident, the IPL was temporarily suspended. The BCCI, after consultations with government and security officials, announced a revised schedule, resuming play on May 17th. The Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals match was rescheduled, and the tournament continued across multiple venues. The quick response demonstrated the BCCI's commitment to player safety, even in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
Alyssa Healy’s account serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of international events and their impact on even the most carefully planned sporting events. While cricket resumed, the memory of that night in Dharamsala will likely stay with the players and fans for a long time to come.
