IPL 2025: Ponting Stops PBKS Players from Leaving India After Ceasefire Announcement, Delivers Pep Talk

Despite the temporary suspension of IPL 2025 due to escalating border tensions, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have managed to retain almost their entire overseas contingent in India with only Marco Jansen flying out. This rare show of unity was largely thanks to head coach Ricky Ponting, who played a pivotal role in ensuring team morale stayed intact.

According to Bharat Sharma from PTI, Ponting was already en route to Australia, reportedly deboarded his flight after the India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement was made public. That same evening in Delhi, he rallied the squad with a passionate pep talk, urging players to stay put and remain committed to the campaign, which is now expected to resume from May 16.

His intervention was crucial as most franchises scrambled to arrange exits for their overseas players, many of whom had already flown home after the league’s one-week suspension. PBKS stood out, retaining all foreign stars barring Jansen, with travel logistics currently being re-evaluated by franchises in coordination with the BCCI.

A revised IPL schedule is expected shortly, with Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad shortlisted as host cities for the remaining 16 matches, 12 league games and 4 playoffs. More double-headers are likely, and the final may be pushed to May 30 to compensate for the lost time.

The availability of Australian and South African players post-May 25 remains uncertain due to their commitments to the World Test Championship final.

The league was suspended after the DC vs PBKS match was halted mid-game, prompting safety concerns and swift action from the BCCI. With the situation stabilizing post-ceasefire, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed the board is now working swiftly to resume the tournament.