Australian Cricketers Leave India as IPL Suspended Amid Indo-Pak Tensions

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been temporarily suspended for one week due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, with a recent match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals abandoned amid air raid alerts and security concerns. Several Australian players, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, and Mitch Marsh, as well as former captains Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer in coaching roles, are considering leaving India immediately, with departures possibly starting as early as Saturday. Airports in key locations like Dharamsala and Chandigarh have been closed to civilian traffic, complicating logistics, and players are uncertain about their next destinations, with discussions about relocating matches to neutral venues such as South Africa or Dubai ongoing. Cricket Australia is closely monitoring the situation, maintaining communication with players and working with the Australian government to prioritize player safety and welfare. The IPL governing council is reviewing the situation and may reschedule remaining matches later in the year depending on developments. This disruption has left players, coaches, and officials in a state of uncertainty amid the broader conflict in the region.