The Indian Premier League may be relocated or postponed as Australian players consider fleeing the country amid rising conflict between India and Pakistan, casting a shadow over the world’s biggest Twenty20 tournament.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering postponing or moving this year’s IPL after rising tension between India and Pakistan following drone and missile attacks in recent days.
The situation has already disrupted Pakistan’s domestic competition, with the Pakistan Super League officially shifted to Dubai after similar safety concerns. Australian players, including David Warner and Sean Abbott, are now preparing to fly to the UAE within the next 24 hours.
Given that the PSL has already secured the UAE as an alternative venue, the IPL may be forced to relocate to South Africa, which has hosted the tournament before. Cricket officials from multiple countries, including Australia, were discussing contingency plans overnight.
An IPL match between the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala was called off on Thursday due to a black-out near the India-Pakistan border following air-raid warnings in nearby Jammu and Pathankot.
Players and spectators were asked to evacuate the venue immediately for security reasons as IPL officials were locked in discussions about the tournament’s future.
“We are reviewing the situation right now. It is an evolving situation. We haven’t received any directive from the government. Obviously, the decision will be taken keeping all the logistics in mind,” IPL chief Arun Dhumal told PTI.
“It is an evolving situation and any decision will be taken keeping the best interest of all stakeholders in mind.”
Mitchell Starc in action at the IPL. Credit: AP
According to several player agents, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, a growing number of Australian players have expressed anxiety over their safety. Many are ready to leave India as soon as possible, particularly those based near sensitive border areas.
Players in Dharamsala will reportedly leave the city on a special train on Friday, though their next destination remains unclear. Some airports have been closed in India.
The likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head and Mitch Marsh have been plying their trade in the IPL, while Australian coaches Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin have been caught up in the latest drama.
Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association are in regular contact with players and have been providing support as the situation evolves.
More to come
