Ricky Ponting Stays India Amid IPL Suspension, Australia Players Return

Ricky Ponting, head coach of Punjab Kings, made a notable leadership decision during the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) crisis by deboarding a flight out of India following a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and urging his overseas players to remain in the country. This move helped reassure anxious foreign players amid escalating border tensions that had forced the suspension of the IPL and Pakistan Super League. Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon praised Ponting's unique leadership in convincing players to stay, ensuring the team could field a near-full-strength squad when the IPL potentially resumes. Despite the ceasefire, uncertainty remains due to ongoing tensions and explosions reported in the Kashmir region, prompting many foreign players to consider skipping the remainder of the IPL. The tournament's resumption hinges on the fragile ceasefire, with several Australian players already having returned home and expressing serious concerns about returning. The Punjab Kings currently rank third in the IPL, but with matches postponed indefinitely, the future of the tournament is unclear.