Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer was seen training with coach Ricky Ponting as the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict prompted varied reactions among overseas players in the IPL, resulting in uncertainties surrounding their participation in the tournament. While some coaches, including Ponting, have chosen to stay, many players have returned home due to heightened security concerns. On Saturday evening, as Ponting was about to depart from New Delhi, he was informed of a ceasefire announcement, prompting his immediate return.
PBKS CEO Satish Menon confirmed, “Kudos to Ricky. He was headed home but turned back upon hearing about the ceasefire. Brad Haddin, our assistant coach, is also still here.” However, several Australian players from PBKS, including Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, and Xavier Bartlett, have already left the country. Panic spread among international players after the Dharamsala match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was halted due to security issues.
Currently, PBKS is aiming to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2014 and is hopeful of assembling a full-strength team when the IPL resumes. The franchise is currently positioned third with 15 points. Menon stated, “Our boys will return. Ricky and Brad have set an example. We await official instructions from the BCCI before reaching out to our players.”
Reports suggest that the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council have asked franchises to gather their teams for the remaining 16 matches, expected to commence by Friday, May 16. However, a prominent overseas player from the Delhi Capitals has declined to return, with a DC official stating, “All cricketers’ kitbags are still here in India. Let’s see what happens next.”
Lucknow Super Giants, still mathematically in the playoff race, have retained most of their players in India. Caribbean players Nicholas Pooran and Shamar Joseph, who were scheduled to fly home, have been instructed to stay put. An LSG official shared, “We have the majority of our squad here. We expect a clearer picture from the BCCI by Monday.”
In contrast, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) announced that all their players have returned home, with CEO Kasi Viswanathan commenting, “We are yet to receive any instructions from the BCCI. Once the official guidelines are shared, we will reach out to our players.” When asked if overseas players were eager to come back, he replied, “It’s too early to tell. It has been a hectic few days. We must wait a couple more days for clarity.”
Rajasthan Royals, currently out of contention in ninth place, believe their overseas players will return to conclude the tournament. A Royals official expressed confidence, stating, “We face no issues with our overseas contingent. As we are not in the playoff race, I don’t foresee any problems in assembling our squad.”
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/ricky-stepped-out-of-the-flight-ipl-teams-hopeful-to-have-full-squads-for-remainder-of-tournament/articleshow/121079186.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-05-11 17:23:00
