Australian cricket stars are weighing up a swift exit from the Indian Premier League as tensions escalate between India and Pakistan.
The growing conflict has thrown the tournament into chaos, with players, coaches, and officials unsure of their next move.
An IPL match in Dharamsala between the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abruptly abandoned on Thursday following a power outage caused by a nearby air-raid alert.
The match was called off just 10.1 overs into Punjab’s innings after one of the stadium’s floodlights failed.
At the time, the Kings had stormed to 1-122, with Priyansh Arya scoring 70 and Prabhsimran Singh unbeaten on 50.
Mitchell Starc had been on the receiving end of a blistering assault, conceding five boundaries in two wicketless overs.
Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins is one of the Aussie contingent playing in the IPL in India
Mitchell Starc was bowling when his match was abruptly cancelled because of a power outage caused by an air raid siren
The cancellation meant both sides shared the points, leaving the Kings sitting in third on 15 points with just four teams to qualify.
But what lies ahead for the IPL remains unclear as tensions continue to rise across the subcontinent.
Airports in Dharamsala and Chandigarh have been shut to civilian traffic, further complicating team logistics.
Cricketers stationed in Dharamsala are expected to leave on a special train, though their next destination is still undecided.
Punjab Kings coach Ricky Ponting admitted the team had no clear idea of where it would be travelling next.
‘We’re not sure where we’re going at the moment,’ Ponting said.
‘There’s been some talk about Ahmedabad and some talk about Jaipur, but we’re only really worried about tonight’s match.
‘You know, there’s been a fair bit happening the last few days and we’re just trying to make sure we focus on our performance here.’
Officials from the Indian board say decisions are being made hour by hour.
‘We are reviewing the situation right now. It is an evolving situation,’ IPL chief Arun Dhumal told PTI.
‘We haven’t received any directive from the government. Obviously, the decision will be taken keeping all the logistics in mind.’
Australian players including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Mitch Marsh and Travis Head are all currently competing in the IPL.
Coaches Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin are also caught up in the unfolding crisis.
Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association are maintaining close contact with players and support staff.
According to multiple player agents, many Australian players are anxious and considering immediate departures.
Those based near border regions are especially concerned about safety.
Ricky Ponting is one of several Aussie coaches in India, along with former Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and other support staff
David Warner, pictured with wife Candice, is expected to be relocated to the United Arab Emirates
David Warner and Sean Abbott are understood to be preparing for a possible relocation to the UAE within the next 24 hours.
Pakistan’s domestic tournament has already been moved to Dubai amid similar concerns.
The BCCI is considering South Africa as a potential backup location for the IPL.
The tournament was successfully staged there in 2009 during a previous period of uncertainty.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia insists players are safe and willing to continue.
‘They are quite comfortable. Everyone in the league is comfortable,’ Saikia said.
‘The safety and security of every player – be it a local player or a foreigner – every match official and every fan is important for us.
‘We have the clearance of every single authority.’
Despite reassurances, players and coaches remain uneasy.
The relocation of a Sunday match from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad has only fuelled speculation of a wider disruption.
The BCCI has said future matches may be moved depending on logistical requirements.
Meanwhile, a Pakistan Super League fixture in Rawalpindi was postponed hours before it was due to start.
Pakistan Cricket Board officials confirmed more PSL games may be shifted or cancelled.
