Following the suspension of the IPL for one week due to the India-Pakistan conflict, foreign cricketers are eager to return to their home countries as soon as possible.
Amid the escalating tension between India and Pakistan, the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) and Cricket Australia (CA) have expressed concern over the safety of their players participating in the IPL. Both organizations are maintaining constant communication with their players to ensure their safety.
The match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was suspended Thursday night due to a sudden power outage in the middle of Punjab’s innings. The IPL organizers decided to suspend the rest of the tournament for one week the following day.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) arranged for a special train to evacuate players and support staff from Dharamsala. However, foreign players remain concerned about the situation.
Andrew Breetzke, the CEO of the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA), stated in a statement, “Player health and safety are paramount.” He added, “We are in direct contact with all South African players in the IPL, providing them with security updates and offering any necessary support.”
Cricket Australia (CA) echoed similar sentiments in a statement on Friday: “We are closely monitoring the situation in Pakistan and India, maintaining regular consultations with the Australian government, PCB, BCCI, and local authorities, while staying in constant touch with our players and support staff in the region.”
Earlier, Cricket West Indies (CWI) also issued a statement, confirming that they are in communication with both the BCCI and PCB to assess the situation.
According to sources, as reported by Indian media PTI, foreign cricketers are requesting arrangements to return to their home countries as soon as possible. They have asked for flight arrangements to be made for their safe return.
Several airports along the border have been closed by India until Saturday due to the ongoing tensions.
The effects of the ongoing conflict have also reached the Pakistan Super League (PSL). After a drone attack damaged the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings was postponed on Thursday. Later that night, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the remaining part of the tournament would be moved to the United Arab Emirates.
Around 40 foreign players, including Bangladesh’s Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain, who had traveled to Pakistan for the PSL, will be relocated to the UAE by Friday night.
