The Indian Premier League match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, originally set to take place in Dharamsala on Sunday, has been relocated to Ahmedabad due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

The IPL announced the change on Thursday, citing logistical difficulties.

Civilian and commercial flights have been suspended at the airports in Dharamsala and Chandigarh — the home base for the Punjab Kings — since Wednesday. Similar airport closures have occurred across India’s northwestern region in response to the escalating cross-border situation.

With air travel halted, it became impossible for the Mumbai Indians to fly into either Chandigarh or Dharamsala. Additionally, transporting the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals squads, along with broadcast personnel, from Dharamsala to their upcoming match locations posed further logistical hurdles.

Punjab takes on Delhi in Dharamsala in a crucial game on Thursday. Both teams will take a 10-hour road journey to New Delhi after the game. The Capitals play Gujarat Titans at home next, and the Kings fly from Delhi to Ahmedabad for their next game against the Mumbai Indians.

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Punjab, Delhi and Mumbai are all in contention for the four knockout spots.

Despite shifting Sunday's game to Ahmedabad, there were other operational challenges as well: Narendra Modi Stadium was adorned with Gujarat Titans sponsor branding as its home ground.

Punjab hosts the game on Sunday, so shaping a neutral tone to the venue presents another challenge as Gujarat has two more home games on May 14 and 18.