Australian players consider leaving IPL 2025 amid rising India-Pakistan tensions: Report

As military tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, several Australian cricketers and coaches participating in the IPL 2025 are reportedly planning their exit from the country. The various reports also suggest that many overseas players, especially Australians, are increasingly concerned about their safety and are looking for ways home.

A report by The Sydney Morning Herald stated that a number of player agents, who wished to remain anonymous, said Australian players are uneasy given the current situation, and anxiousness is heightened for those near sensitive border areas. Many are making plans to leave if needed.

IPL 2025 has some big-name Australian cricketers participating, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Travis Head. Also involved are established coaches Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin, who are both involved in the tournament. All of whom may be affected by these events.

Match Called Off as Security Concerns Disrupt IPL

The ongoing tensions had a direct impact on the tournament when Thursday's IPL match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dharamsala was abandoned. Initially regarded as a possible technical problem with the floodlights, later released information suggests the match was abandoned as a precautionary measure following reports of missile interception by India in nearby Jammu.

Also Read: 11 Major cricket series abandoned midway due to terror attacks

IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal said in a statement to PTI, “Yes, the game has been called off as a precautionary measure, because there are incidents that happened in Jammu... we thought it was prudent to call off the match.” However, Friday's match scheduled between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru is still anticipated to take place. The two teams from the Dharamsala match are being moved by special train to Delhi from Pathankot, located around 85 kilometers away.