The Indian Premier League (IPL), a cricket tournament, has called off its entire tournament amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan. As a consequence, many Australian players and staff, including cricket icon Ricky Ponting, are currently arranging to depart India. Security fears have increased following a deadly attack in the India-controlled Kashmir region late last month. In reaction, Cricket Australia (CA) have started watching the same trend.
As concerns about the safety of foreign players mount, many Australian cricketers have begun heading to airports to exit the country. Some of the contestants will have to catch their flights as soon as this Friday (local time). Also taking part in the IPL are Australia’s Test captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Travis Head. Their exit marks an important crossroads in the current tournament. With 12 matches remaining and a four-game finals series to come, the tension has never been more palpable.
Security Concerns Prompt Response
Security challenges have significantly worsened since then in the region. Consequently, airports in Dharamsala and Chandigarh have been closed for civilian/commercial use since Wednesday. Cricket Australia have been very proactive in managing the situation and have made sure that all of their players are safe and well-informed.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation in Pakistan and India, including obtaining regular advice and updates from the Australian government, the PCB, BCCI and local government authorities, and maintaining communication with our players and support staff currently in the region,” – Cricket Australia spokesperson
This type of vigilance is symptomatic of CA’s overarching concern for player safety. Some Australian cricketers express concerns about the effects on them should they leave the league and what that would mean for their futures. The top priority for everyone involved—including players—remains safety.
IPL Governing Council’s Decision
The IPL Governing Council took the decision to suspend the tournament following discussions with all the primary stakeholders. In turn, franchise representatives communicated the worries of their players, as the situation continued to develop.
“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,” – IPL
League officials promised at first that the players were comfortable playing. Increased insecurity led officials to reassess that position. International Cricket Council Despite needing to pivot quickly, Arun Dhumal said that even though these plans still existed, they were set to adjust as things continued to unfold.
“It is on as of now, but obviously it is an evolving situation and any decision will be taken keeping the best interest of all stakeholders in mind,” – Arun Dhumal
Impact on Australian Players
The postponement of the IPL will provide unexpected downtime for Australian players before they head to England for next month’s World Test Championship final. This break will come just before their next scheduled tour to the West Indies.
Ponting, Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc and Head are all come and gone. Their exits demonstrate more than anything how outside forces shape the landscape on and off the field. As they make the transition back to home, this will require changes in their training and leading/preparation schedules.
