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Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer and current head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS), has left the cricketing world in awe after a dramatic display of leadership during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 crisis.
As tensions between India and Pakistan led to the sudden suspension of the tournament, Ponting’s last-minute decision to stay in India-and his ability to convince anxious foreign players to do the same-has been hailed as a masterstroke that only he could have executed.
Ricky Ponting makes a bold move amid IPL 2025 suspension
The IPL 2025 was thrown into uncertainty after escalating border tensions between India and Pakistan forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to suspend the tournament for a week. With fears of a full-scale conflict and international airspace closures, foreign players and support staff began making urgent plans to leave the country.
Amid the chaos, Ponting had already boarded a flight from Delhi, ready to return to Australia. However, when news broke of a ceasefire between the two nations, Ponting made the bold decision to deboard the plane and remain in India. He immediately reached out to his Punjab Kings squad, especially the overseas players, many of whom were preparing to leave at the earliest opportunity.
“It shows Ponting’s character. Only he could have pulled that off,” said Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon, highlighting the unique leadership that Ponting brought to the crisis.
Foreign players, led by Marcus Stoinis and including Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis and Xavier Bartlett, were reportedly under significant stress after a tense journey from Dharamsala to Delhi. The prospect of being caught in a conflict zone had left them anxious and eager to return home. Ponting’s intervention, described as a motivational pep talk, reassured the players and convinced them to stay back in India, ensuring Punjab Kings would be able to field a near-full-strength squad when the IPL resumes.
“The foreign players are not used to something like this. So, it was natural for them to feel anxious. Led by Stoinis, they all wanted to leave at the earliest and understandably so. But Ponting has convinced them to stay back post ceasefire which I think is remarkable,” reported the Hindu.
Also READ: RCB face uncertainty as Josh Hazlewood and Rajat Patidar remain doubtful for IPL 2025 return
A ripple effect across cricket
Ponting’s decision stands in stark contrast to the actions of many other overseas players and support staff, who left India as soon as the tournament was suspended. His leadership has been credited with stabilizing the Punjab camp and potentially influencing other teams to retain their squads for the remainder of the IPL.
Cricket Australia has also weighed in, stating it would support any Australian players who chose not to return, but Ponting’s stance has set a powerful example of commitment and composure under pressure.
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