When a highlights package plays out instead of live action, one can safely assume that the start of a cricket match has been delayed because of fog, soggy pitch conditions or rain. But on Wednesday, as Delhi played their second home match at the Ferozeshah Kotla against the Bangalore Royal Challengers, fans all across the nation missed live action because of a peculiar reason.

A short circuit at the production room of the official broadcasters, Sony Television, led to a small fire that had officials in a panic. It was only after 30 minutes that the organisers, who were seen running in all directions to have the fault repaired, managed to restore the connection and the match could be telecast live. What caused the short-circuit is not known because everyone chose to be tight-lipped about it.

“There was a short-circuit, and a small explosion took place in the production room. The cables connected to the cameras were damaged. There was also a small fire, but there were no injuries because it was extinguished immediately,” said a GMR official, who did not want to be named.

If there was loss of revenue for the broadcasters because of advertising-time lost, they were not telling just yet.

The match, scheduled to start at 8 pm, had earlier been delayed by 10 minutes as a live performance — part of the pre-game entertainment — did not yield even after the players had taken the field.

On-field umpires Aleem Dar and I Shivram were seen waving at the performers frenetically, but it was a while before the musicians realised they were being asked to stop.