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.

Uber's Reckless Gamble with Travis Head Backfires

Uber India recently released a cheeky new advertisement that features Australian batsman Travis Head, who is playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025. Nicknamed the "Hyderabaddie" in the ad, Travis Head becomes involved in jolly tricks—most famously, replacing a match banner that reads "Bengaluru vs Hyderabad" to "Royally Challenged Bengaluru." This wordplay masterpiece, clearly aimed at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), was meant to bring some humor and zing to Uber's promo campaign for its Moto variants. But it appears the joke did not land well with everyone.

watch video:

Another mayhem ad from uber, travis baddie 😈 pic.twitter.com/WxrmzxxPpq

— Johnny🦅 (@Swayamkrushi0) April 22, 2025

Also Read:-IPL 2025 Flop XI: Big Names, Bigger Disappointments!

RCB Sues Uber for Legal Action

RCB was infuriated by the ad and sued Uber in a case filed with the Delhi High Court.

The franchise believes that the advertisement damages their brand reputation and is a misuse of trademark. RCB lawyers believe that evoking a parody of their rightful name, for the sake of humor, even, is going beyond the boundaries of freedom of expression and entering the domain of commercial ridicule. The case is being heard by the court as of now, and while Uber is contesting the ad as innocuous humor, the incident has raised broader discussion over whether ads are ethical in sporting brand names. Despite controversy, the ad has gone viral on social media with some supporters praising creativity and others criticizing disrespect.

Travis Head, Travis Head the hard-hitting Travis Head, has been quiet until now, but his playing-on-field acts of valour continue to win hearts. The episode is an indicator of the manner in which cricket and commercials are clashing in a dramatic way. Even if the court decides whether or not RCB has to pay, one thing is certain: the "Hyderabaddie" campaign has everyone's mouths watering.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have had a rough run in IPL 2025, winning just two out of their seven matches so far. This poor performance has placed them near the bottom of the points table, putting immense pressure on the team. To keep their playoff hopes alive, SRH now needs to win the majority of their remaining games, making each upcoming match a must-win situation in this highly competitive season.

Their recent loss to Mumbai Indians (MI) proved costly, not just in terms of points but also in worsening their Net Run Rate (NRR). In the IPL, NRR plays a crucial role, especially when multiple teams are tied on points. A poor NRR can keep a team out of the playoffs, even if they have enough wins. This makes every run and wicket vital for SRH moving forward in the tournament.

While SRH’s bowling unit has shown glimpses of quality, their batting lineup has failed to consistently deliver. The team has struggled to produce balanced performances, often faltering in one department or the other. To stay in the playoff race, SRH will need both their bowlers and batters to rise to the occasion and perform as a cohesive unit in the remaining fixtures.

Matches Left for SRH

SRH still have seven matches to play in the league stage:

Home matches (in Hyderabad):

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals 
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Away matches:

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings in Chennai
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Gujarat Titans in Ahemadabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangaluru in Bengaluru
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow

See Also: IPL 2025: GT vs DC Match 35 - Narendra Modi stadium stats and preview

What SRH Needs to Do to Qualify

To qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs, Sunrisers Hyderabad must aim to win at least six of their remaining seven matches. This would take them to 16 points, giving them a strong chance of making the top four. However, just winning may not be enough—they’ll need to ensure those victories come with significant margins to boost their Net Run Rate (NRR), which can be a crucial tiebreaker if multiple teams end the league stage with similar points.

Alongside chasing wins, SRH must focus on improving their consistency, especially in the batting department. While their bowlers have shown potential throughout the season, the batters haven’t delivered consistently. A balanced performance across departments is essential to convert close games into victories. With tough matches ahead, every player must step up and contribute, ensuring the team builds momentum and confidence. Winning consistently and maintaining a healthy NRR is SRH’s clearest path to securing a playoff spot this season.

Travis Head is enjoying his time in Hyderabad. The Australian cricket player, who is playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2024 IPL, recently added his fun promotional video for Uber Moto, and fans love it. In the video, Travis shows a fun and mischievous side of himself, calling himself a true ‘Hyderabaddie’.The video starts with Head going into a stadium without permission, quietly looking around as if he’s planning something.

He walks up to a signboard that reads “Bengaluru vs Hyderabad” and cheekily writes “Royally Challenged” on it taking a friendly dig at the Bengaluru team. Just as he finishes the graffiti, a security guard sees him. Without wasting a second, Travis runs off and escapes on a motorbike, smiling as he rides away. It’s all part of a light-hearted campaign, and fans have enjoyed seeing this side of him.

First stop bengaluru 😈
pic.twitter.com/ElgIg8YnbZ

— Travis head (@TravisHead24) April 5, 2025

ALSO READ: IPL 2025 MI vs RCB : Player battles to watch out

Off the field, he’s having fun, and on the field, he’s doing well too. Even though he hasn’t reached his best form yet, Travis is still the top run-scorer for SRH this season. The video is now going viral, and fans are calling him a true ‘Hyderabaddie’. It’s safe to say, Travis Head has won the hearts of Hyderabad both on and off the field.

Travis Head has turned out to be the most discussed Australian cricketer among Indian cricket enthusiasts. Be it his brilliant knock in the 2023 World Test Championship final, the agony he inflicted in the ODI World Cup final in the same year, or his assertive batting performance in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Head has consistently performed against India. His aggressive batting has frequently arrived at the most inopportune moment for Indian supporters transforming close matches into agonizing losses.

ALSO SEE: IPL 2025, LSG vs MI: Here's why Rohit Sharma not playing today in Lucknow

But there is a different side to this tale. Head is frequently depicted as the villain when he turns out for Australia, but Indian fans treat him to a rather different kind of affection while he turns out for the IPL. Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, he is greeted with warm support and adoration. The juxtaposition is something that even Head finds amusing.

A Love-Hate Relationship with India

Talking about Indian fans, Head said to News18, I take it as it comes. I respect the fact that India is such a big country with such a big following. I've been fortunate to play well in a few games. Some of the reactions online are funny to me it doesn't push me to do more, I just try to enjoy and play well.Head acknowledged he's had starring roles against India in the past 18 months, but he also acknowledged where credit was due. They've played well against us too. I feel that connection with the fans, he said.

ALSO SEE: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Shocking Move from Mumbai to Goa: Real Reasons Behind It

Yet, it has not always been smooth sailing for him. In 2022, he lost his national contract and performed poorly in a stint at Sussex in England. But then, one day, after getting a brisk 49, he decided to just relax and play his natural game. That is the turning point in his career.

From his initial knocks in 2018 to his latest match-winning performances, Travis Head has become India's latest cricket villain respected for his talent, hated for the heartbreaks he inflicts, yet always respected. Regardless of whether booed in Aussie yellow or cheered in SRH orange, Head has certainly made a lasting impression on Indian cricket supporters.

In IPL 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) played against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the young pacer Prince Yadav bowled a great delivery that dismissed Travis Head. Head appeared to be going for the runs at this moment, as he scored 47 runs with just 28 balls, as he powerfully unleashed some of the most powerful and over-the-cover strokes. It was the eighth over when Prince Yadav mad he bowled a fuller delivery that was directly aimed at the stumps.

The batsmen moved too far away from the line to swing the bat and their bats met neither the ball nor the stumps. That wicket played a big role for SRH. Head had been scoring quickly and therefore the bowlers were under a lot of stress.

A DREAM FIRST IPL WICKET FOR PRINCE YADAV. 👏

23-year old Prince cleaned up Travis Head - What a moment for him.
pic.twitter.com/Fjetx0azxV

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) March 27, 2025

ALSO READ: Who is Prince Yadav? The LSG bowler who took Travis Head's wicket

His dismissal at 76/3 was a timely breakthrough for LSG and a perfect way to grab the chance to take the game back under control. Prince Yadav’s terrific bowling turned luck towards LSG’s side.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 goes on with a thrilling Group B match between Australia vs  Afghanistan. This is a crucial match as the winner will make it to the semifinals. The match will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, on February 28, 2025.

Match Details:

• Match: Australia vs  Afghanistan
• Date: February 28, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM IST (Indian Standard Time)
• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan
• Toss Time: 2:00 PM IST

LIVE STREAMING DETAILS OF THE AFG VS AUS

ALSO READ:AFG vs AUS Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win? | Match 10, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Preview & Analysis

AFG vs AUS Predicted Playing XI

AFG Playing XI

Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, Fareed Ahmed, Fazalhaq Farooqi

AUS Playing XI

Matt Short, Travis Head, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Jos Inglis, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshius, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa. Spencer Johnson 

The highly anticipated Australia vs England game of the Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be an electrifying match, pitting two of the most powerful cricketing teams against each other in a struggle for dominance. Both teams have put together very strong teams, combining experience with new talent, and this promises to be a thrilling contest for cricket enthusiasts everywhere

• Match: AUS vs. ENG
• Date: February 22, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM Local Time (IST)
• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan

Live streaming details:

TV Broadcast Details

Online Streaming Platforms

ALSO READ:AUS vs ENG Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win? | Match 04, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Preview & Analysis

Australia playing xi

Travis Head, Matthew Short, Steve Smith (c), Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa

England playing xi

Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.

Sri Lanka VS Australia ~ [First ODI of Series] Cricket starts all over the world with great anticipation in the mind of every single Sri Lankan fan for their upcoming ODI match. The match will be held at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on 12th Feb, 2025. The game will kick off at 10:00 AM IST (4:30 PM GMT).

Match Details:

• Match: Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st ODI
• Date: February 12, 2025
• Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
• Start Time: 10:00 AM IST | 4:30 AM GMT

1st ODI - February 12, 10 am - R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

2nd ODI - February 14, 10 am - R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Live streaming details:

ALSO READ:SL vs AUS 1st ODI, Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today?

Squads:

Srilanka:Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Mohamed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga.

Australia:Alex Carey (wk), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Matthew Short, Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Tanveer Sangha, Mitchell Starc.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald said that captain Pat Cummins is likely to miss the ICC Men's Champions Trophy due to his ongoing ankle issue. He also pointed out that Steve Smith and Travis Head are the main contenders to take over the captaincy. On top of that, McDonald mentioned that Josh Hazlewood is facing challenges in getting fit in time for the tournament.

Pat Cummins missed the Sri Lanka Test tour to be with his family for the birth of his second child. On top of that, he’s been struggling with an ankle issue that got worse after a demanding workload during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia’s ODI players who aren’t part of the Test squad are set to fly out to Sri Lanka on Thursday. However, McDonald revealed on Wednesday that it’s looking unlikely that Pat Cummins will be part of the squad for the Champions Trophy.

Pat Cummins still hasn’t been able to bowl, so it looks really unlikely that he’ll be fit for the upcoming matches. That means the team will need to find a new captain. McDonald shared with SEN, “We’ve been having discussions with Steve Smith and Travis Head as we build our Champions Trophy squad . They’re the two we’re looking at for the Captaincy role.” 

🚨 PAT CUMMINS SET TO MISS 2025 CHAMPIONS TROPHY. 🚨

- Steven Smith or Travis Head could lead Australia. (Espncricinfo). pic.twitter.com/E1Zi8dpwca

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 5, 2025

He continued, “Steve’s done a fantastic job in the first Test, and he’s had plenty of success in one day internationals too, so it’s between those two.” It’s a shame about Pat, but McDonald also mentioned that Josh Hazlewood is battling a hip issue. After missing parts of the series against India and Sri Lanka due to side  injuries, Hazlewood is still working on his fitness. They’re expecting more medical updates soon.

ALSO READ: Ind vs Eng: Fans flock outside Cuttack's Barabati Stadium ahead of offline ticket sales

With both Cummins and Hazlewood unavailable, it opens the door for Sean Abbott to return to the ODI squad. He had missed out on the final Champions Trophy selection due to his recent form, but now he’s back in the picture. Spencer Johnson is also in the mix, as he was initially set to travel to Sri Lanka as a backup for the ODI squad.Australia's selectors are in for a bit of a challenge when it comes to picking the XI for the first ODI against Sri Lanka on February 12. With just one travel day between the end of the second Test and the first ODI, it’s a tight turnaround. ODI squad members like Head, Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, and Mitchell Starc are all playing in the Test match. However, if the Test ends quickly on a pitch that looks drier than the previous one, they could get a bit of extra time to rest and recover before the ODI.