In a dramatic turn of events, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been suspended for one week due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, leaving many Australian players scrambling to secure flights home. The announcement came from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday evening, May 9, 2025, following a series of air raid warnings that led to the abandonment of a match in Dharamsala just the night before.
The IPL's governing council made the decision after consulting with franchise owners, who expressed concerns over the safety of their players. A statement from the BCCI read, "The decision was taken by the IPL Governing Council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans." This suspension raises questions about the league's ability to resume later this season, with 12 matches and a four-game finals series still pending.
As the situation unfolded, several Australian players began making their way to airports to depart India. Some were able to book flights as early as Friday, while others faced significant logistical challenges due to airport closures. Players were reported to be facing bus rides of up to four hours, followed by eight-hour train journeys to reach operational airports.
Among the Australians affected are cricket stars like Test captain Pat Cummins, fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, and star batsman Travis Head, all participating in the IPL. The postponement means they will have unexpected time at home just ahead of the World Test Championship final in England and a subsequent tour of the West Indies.
The abandonment of the match between the Punjab Kings, coached by Ricky Ponting, and Starc's Delhi Capitals on Thursday night highlighted the severity of the situation. Initially attributed to a power failure, the cancellation was soon revealed to be due to air raid warnings in the region, prompting immediate evacuation of the stadium.
Following the IPL's suspension, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was relocated to Dubai, where six Australians, including David Warner, Sean Abbott, and Ben Dwarshuis, are currently competing. The PSL's move is expected to allow players to continue their participation in the tournament without the added risk of conflict.
Cricket Australia (CA) has been closely monitoring the developments in India and Pakistan since a recent attack in Kashmir left 26 people dead and 17 injured. CA CEO Todd Greenberg expressed support for the BCCI's decision, stating, "The safety and welfare of our players and staff is always a core priority, and we support today’s decision by the BCCI." He emphasized ongoing communication with government authorities and the players currently in the region.
Despite the growing concerns, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia insisted that foreign players were comfortable continuing in the IPL prior to the suspension. "They are quite comfortable. Everyone in the league is comfortable," Saikia stated, highlighting the importance of safety for all involved in the tournament.
However, as tensions rise, the reality of the situation has left many players anxious about their safety. Ricky Ponting, who is also managing the Punjab Kings, noted the uncertainty of their next moves. "We’re not sure where we’re going at the moment… there’s been some talk about Ahmedabad and some talk about Jaipur, but we’re only really worried about tonight’s match," he said during a broadcast.
With three IPL franchises—Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals—already out of finals contention, the focus now shifts to how the remaining teams will navigate this crisis. Cricket Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to player safety, maintaining regular updates and support for those affected.
As the IPL situation continues to unfold, players and fans alike are left wondering whether the league will be able to resume later this season or if further disruptions are on the horizon. The complexities of international cricket amid geopolitical tensions have once again taken center stage, reminding everyone that the game can often be overshadowed by outside forces.
In the meantime, Australian duo Sam Perry and Ian Higgins, known for their popular podcast The Grade Cricketer, have opted to cancel their live shows in India and return home due to safety concerns. This decision underscores the pervasive anxiety surrounding the current situation.
As the cricketing world watches closely, the future of the IPL remains uncertain, with players and fans hoping for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict. The coming days will be critical as stakeholders evaluate the safety and viability of continuing the tournament amidst these unprecedented circumstances.
