Punjab Kings coach Ricky Ponting. (PTI)
Cricket Australia are closely monitoring over two dozen Australian players and coaches involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) amid rising military tensions between India and Pakistan, with the PSL matches being moved to UAE and IPL officials considering alternative plans on Friday.Cricket Australia issued a statement emphasising their vigilant approach to the situation.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“We continue to closely monitor the situation in Pakistan and India, including obtaining regular advice and updates from the Australian Government, the PCB, BCCI and local government authorities, and maintaining communication with our players and support staff currently in the region,” CA stated on Friday morning.Thursday’s match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala, featuring Australian players Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, and PBKS coach Ricky Ponting, was abandoned during the first innings due to a reported power outage.Dharamsala, which is 200 kms from Kashmir where tensions have escalated, has added to the concerns. The local airports closure has forced players to take a special train for Delhi.Before the match cancellation, Ponting expressed uncertainty about their next destination.“We’re not sure where we’re going at the moment … there’s been some talk about Ahmedabad and some talk about Jaipur, but we’re only really worried about tonight’s match,” Ponting said. “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.”The PSL has confirmed relocating its remaining eight matches, including the final, to the UAE. IPL has 16 matches remaining, including 12 league stage fixtures followed by the playoffs and final.“We are reviewing the situation right now. It is an evolving situation. We haven’t received any directive from the government. Obviously the decision will be taken keeping all the logistics in mind,” IPL chairman Arun Dhumal told news agency PTI.
