Ricky Ponting Stops Foreign Punjab Kings Players From Leaving India After Ceasefire Announcement

Coach earns praise for leadership as IPL expected to resume by May 16 or 17

Ponting Takes Command Amid Crisis, Prevents Player Exodus

As soon as the ceasefire between India and Pakistan was announced late Saturday evening, Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting swiftly acted to ensure that the team’s foreign players did not leave India. The Australian legend, who himself was scheduled to fly back home, chose to stay in Delhi and persuaded his international squad members to do the same—highlighting his leadership and commitment to the team during uncertain times.

While most of the squad stayed back, South African pacer Marco Jansen had already boarded a flight to Dubai en route to South Africa. He is now expected to be recalled following the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)‘s notification that all teams must remain on standby as the IPL 2025 is likely to resume by May 16 or 17.

Foreign Players Were Nervous After Suspended Season

Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon confirmed Ponting’s role in holding the group together. Speaking to PTI, Menon said: “This reflects Ricky’s character. Only someone of his stature and experience could have kept the group together in such a situation.”

After the IPL was suspended amid rising geopolitical tensions, many international players, particularly from Australia—including Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, and Xavier Bartlett—made a tense journey from Dharamshala to Delhi, considering immediate departure. The cancellation of the May 8 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals had further intensified concerns. However, Ponting delivered a calming pep talk, convincing most players to wait it out.

IPL Resumption on the Horizon

Following the declaration of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, the BCCI is expected to release a revised IPL 2025 schedule in the coming days. The league was temporarily halted after 57 matches had been completed, and foreign players had been advised to remain available.

Ponting’s quick decision to stay back and reassure players has been widely praised by franchise insiders. While one player briefly exited the country, most of the team, under Ponting’s guidance, is now preparing to resume IPL duties once official fixtures are released.