The IPL was suspended after the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, causing several foreign players from various teams to return to their home countries. Indian cricketers also headed back to their homes. However, almost all the foreign players from one franchise stayed back in India.
It is reported that the foreign players decided to stay back because of an emotional speech by Punjab Kings’ coach, Ricky Ponting. Ponting himself decided to stay in India as well.
According to news agency PTI, Ponting had initially planned to leave India but changed his mind at the last moment. He disembarked from the plane and decided to stay in Delhi. Furthermore, he took responsibility for ensuring that the other foreign players from Punjab Kings stayed behind as well. The foreign players were inspired by Ponting’s words and agreed to remain in India.
Punjab’s CEO, Satish Menon, told PTI, “This shows Ponting’s strong character. He’s the only one who could do this.”
Coincidentally, it was against Punjab Kings that the match in Delhi had to be suspended midway. The players of both teams traveled to Delhi by train. Four Australian cricketers from Punjab, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, and Xavier Bartlett, eventually left India.
According to a team source, “The foreign players are not used to such situations, so naturally, they were worried. Led by Stoinis, they were eager to leave India as soon as possible. However, Ponting convinced them to stay until the ceasefire. They agreed.”
It has been revealed that Marco Jansen from Punjab Kings was the only foreign player to leave India. However, he did not return home; he is currently in Dubai. Since the foreign players did not leave, Punjab Kings is now in a better position to start the tournament as soon as possible, and they are ready to take the field at any moment.
UA / TDS
