Cricket Australia Monitors Tensions Amid IPL and PSL Events
Cricket Australia Observes Rising Tensions
In light of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Cricket Australia is closely monitoring the situation, especially since over 20 Australian players and coaches are participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) this season.
On Thursday, during the IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala, air raid alerts were issued in nearby areas like Pathankot and Jammu. This followed Pakistan's launch of eight missiles targeting regions including Poonch, Jaisalmer, Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. Fortunately, Indian defense forces successfully intercepted most of the missiles, resulting in minimal damage and no reported casualties.
PSL Match Canceled Due to Security Concerns
The PSL match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings was called off after a drone strike hit the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium just hours before the game. Due to increasing security issues, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to relocate the remaining matches of the tournament to the UAE.
Cricket Australia Maintains Communication
Cricket Australia is actively keeping tabs on the situation in both countries and is in regular contact with players in the region. A spokesperson stated, "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 authorities."
They emphasized the importance of maintaining communication with players and support staff currently in the area.
Australian Players Express Concerns
Reports indicate that several Australian players have shown a desire to leave India promptly due to safety concerns. However, Cricket Australia has not issued any formal withdrawal orders, choosing instead to evaluate the situation in collaboration with relevant authorities and franchise management.
Notable Australian players involved in IPL 2025 include Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and coaches Ricky Ponting, Brad Haddin, and Mitchell Langer, while David Warner and pacers Ben Dwarshuis, Riley Meredith, and Sean Abbott are participating in the PSL.
BCCI Awaits Government Guidance
In light of the current geopolitical climate following Operation Sindoor, there are uncertainties regarding the continuation of the IPL 2025 matches. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal mentioned that the BCCI has not yet received any directives from the government.
"We are reviewing the situation right now," Dhumal stated when asked about the league's future amidst the India-Pakistan conflict. "It's an evolving situation. We haven't received any directive from the government. Decisions will be made with the best interests of all stakeholders in mind."
The match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru is scheduled to proceed today (May 9) as planned, pending any further government or BCCI announcements regarding changes to the IPL 2025 schedule.