Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting made a last-minute decision to deboard his flight to Australia after the India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement, choosing to stay back in India and reassure his team’s foreign players about the tournament’s resumption.
Ponting, who was set to return home, was aboard a Qantas flight when news of the ceasefire broke. Instead of continuing his journey, he disembarked from the plane, ensuring that PBKS’ overseas players, who were anxious about the situation, felt confident in returning to India for the remainder of IPL 2025.
Ponting’s Leadership in Crisis
The Australian legend played a crucial role in motivating PBKS’ foreign stars, including Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, and Xavier Bartlett, who had left for their respective destinations amid concerns over the escalating tensions. South Africa’s Marco Jansen and Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai had temporarily relocated to Dubai, awaiting further developments.
PBKS CEO Satish Menon praised Ponting’s leadership, stating, “It shows Ponting’s character. Only he could have pulled that off. Not only did he voluntarily decide to stay back, but he also gave a motivational talk to the foreign players, convincing them to return at the earliest.”
IPL 2025 Set to Resume
With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expected to announce the revised IPL schedule, PBKS finds itself in a strong position, with most of its Indian and overseas players already back in the country. The team, led by Shreyas Iyer, is on the verge of securing its first playoff berth since 2014.
The abandoned PBKS vs Delhi Capitals match, which was halted at 122/1 in 10.1 overs, is expected to resume from the same position at a yet-to-be-decided venue.
Ponting’s intervention has not only reassured his team but could also serve as a turning point for PBKS, inspiring them to make a deep run in the tournament.
