'Grateful for timely action': Preity Zinta on Dharamshala IPL evacuation

Preity Zinta, co-owner of Punjab Kings and Bollywood actress, has openly appreciated officials and authorities for the timely and safe evacuation of players, staff, and spectators from Dharamshala after air raid warnings in the area. It happened during the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals' (DC) IPL match on May 6, which had to be canceled suddenly because tensions between India and Pakistan were escalating.


A sincere thank you to authorities
Taking to Instagram, Preity Zinta posted a detailed note thanking everyone involved in the quick evacuation exercise. "Finally back home after a crazy last few days," she started, before issuing a "heartfelt thank you to Indian Railways & our Railway minister Mr Ashwini Vaishnaw for facilitating both IPL teams & all officials & families out of Dharamshala in a safe, swift & comfortable manner."

She also recognized the efforts of cricket officials, saying, "A big thank you to Mr Jay Shah, Mr Arun Dhumal, BCCI & our CEO Mr Satish Menon & the Operations team of Punjab Kings for helping co-ordinate the evacuation of our stadium in Dharamshala safely & in an orderly fashion. Everything was managed so efficiently."



Apology to fans for curt behaviour
In her honest letter, Preity wrote to her fans directly, apologizing for her quick answers during the evacuation. "Finally to all the people that were in the Dharamshala stadium – Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you for not panicking & for any stampedes. You guys are absolute rock stars." "Sorry I was short and rude & refused photos with everyone except the need of the hour was everybody's safety & it was my job & responsibility to ensure everybody remained safe. Thank you for facilitating the same. Love you all," she signed off with her signature "Ting."


Behind the scenes: The evacuation
Both the PBKS and DC teams, as well as officials, were escorted out of Dharamshala on Friday, reports PTI. The groups were escorted to Jalandhar railway station under tight security, said Kangra's Superintendent of Police, Shalini Agnihotri, before boarding a special train to New Delhi.

A viral video shot at the stadium featured Preity Zinta instructing spectators to leave the facility quickly and in an orderly fashion. Her level-headedness and emphasis on security were widely applauded by witnesses and social media operators.