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Australian women’s cricket team captain Alyssa Healy has shared her unsettling experience during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match in Dharamsala.
The IPL match was abruptly halted due to regional tensions between India and Pakistan.
Healy was in India with her husband, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, and watching his match when the incident unfolded.
“There was a lack of information, and the players were confused in Dharamsala,” Healy told reporters.
“The most frightening part of the whole situation was the spread of misinformation.” She noted that the atmosphere quickly turned tense as the situation developed.
“We were told everything was fine — that the incident had occurred miles away, the match would continue, and there was nothing to worry about,” she recounted.
“Then, suddenly, the stadium was evacuated as a precaution. It was the right decision, but certainly not a comforting one.”
Describing the chaotic scene, the right-handed batter added, “We were all sitting in the stands when the lights went out — it was surreal. Families and support staff were gathered in one area when we were told to leave immediately.”
In a particularly harrowing moment, Healy recalled how panic began to spread: “Another man came and picked up a child, saying, ‘We have to get out of here right now.’ We had no idea what was happening — we were taken to a small, cramped room. Faf du Plessis didn’t even have his shoes on. Everyone looked visibly worried.”
Healy later learned from Mitchell Starc that an incident had occurred in a village about 60 kilometers away, which triggered a blackout in Dharamsala. “There was a lot of concern among our entire Australian group,” she added. “Australian cricketers should now seek security assurances from the government.”
This incident highlights the importance of clear communication and security measures in high-stakes sporting events, especially in regions experiencing tension.
