The Indian Premier League (IPL) faced an unexpected postponement on Friday due to the rising tensions between India and Pakistan. This controversial decision has reverberated across the cricketer globe. In a drastic response, players—most notably a growing number of prominent Australian cricketers—scrambled to get on flights out of India Saturday.
Pat Cummins, Travis Head and Nathan Ellis don’t take long before they make it out. Instead, as of this week, they’re competing for the right to be an 8 or 9 seed on the IPL. The sudden reversal of plans speaks to the players’ immediate need to get home while the conflict continues to intensify. Those impacted are mourning, but making their voices heard.
“I’m just really, really sad,” – Erin Holland
There’s still a lot of drama left to unfold in the IPL! Fans can still look forward to 12 more regular-season matches and four finals before the league moves to its expected conclusion on May 25. Any potential for a resumption likely rests on whether a ceasefire between India and Pakistan is possible. A ceasefire would allow safe play to resume.
In short, the England and Wales Cricket Board is raising its game to contribute to what is happening right now. Still, they are prepared to play matches there if required. This proposal shows that there still is a strong desire to protect the sanctity of the tournament even though it is under attack.
Just after the ceasefire was announced, reports adjacent to the ceasefire line of explosions in border towns located within the Kashmir region began grasping headlines. These new developments cast a shadow on the safety and security of players, raising heavy doubt on any possible re-opening of the IPL’s future in India. Indian officials are seriously looking into moving IPL games abroad as a preventive measure. South Africa and the UAE are among the other countries being considered as hosts, based on the successful experience of hosting the tournament in those countries previously.
At the same time, Australians who found themselves playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) are rushing to book flights home. The continued uncertainty about the future of the tournament adds to their dilemma. Logistical hurdles might keep them away from future matches. Most recently, organizers called off plans to move the rest of PSL’s matches to the UAE. This has put players in the dark about the tournament’s future.
Australia are preparing for the World Test Championship final against South Africa, beginning June 11. The players’ swift departure from the IPL creates an immediate and profound turn of attention. They are at a critical moment of transition as they get ready to deliver on new international commitments expected soon.
