The cross-border tension between India and Pakistan is scaling the heights along the Line of Control, and some Australian players are thinking of quitting the Indian Premier League (IPL) for safety considerations. Increased firing from both sides has exacerbated players’ fears.
More Aussie cricketers are reportedly feeling uneasy, player agents said to the Sydney Morning Herald. Big names such as Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh are currently in the IPL. Aussie coaches Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin are also embroiled in the crisis.
Cricket Australia and the players’ association have been in contact with the players, supporting them through these developments. Comedians and cricket podcasters Sam Perry and Ian Higgins have decided to cancel their live shows in India and return to Australia for similar safety reasons.
Due to the growing tensions following recent days of drone and missile attacks, the BCCI is contemplating postponing or even moving IPL 2025. This has already affected Pakistan’s domestic league, resulting in the Pakistan Super League being forcefully moved to Dubai for safety reasons. Since the PSL has been successfully set up in the UAE, the IPL might be forced to see South Africa as its second-best option, seeing that it had hosted the tournament previously.
