IPL 2025: Pat Cummins, Travis Head Among Australian Cricketers Eyeing Exit Amid India- Pakistan Tension

With the tension between India and Pakistan escalating, the ongoing IPL 2025 season has been thrown into uncertainty, and foreign players particularly Australians are growing increasingly anxious about their safety. The IPL fixture between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dharamshala was abruptly called off midway.

According to a report from The Sydney Morning Herald, player agents have anonymously confirmed that several Australian players are increasingly unsettled. “According to several player agents, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, a growing number of Australian players have expressed anxiety over their safety. Many are ready to leave India as soon as possible, particularly those based near sensitive border areas.”

Cricket Australia released a statement which said, "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," 

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has officially moved its remaining matches to Dubai. With Dubai now occupied, speculation has turned to South Africa as a potential alternative venue for the IPL a nation that has previously hosted the tournament during crises.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Travis Head are reportedly reconsidering their positions. Coaches like Ricky Ponting (PBKS) and Brad Haddin are also present in India

PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting, speaking during a broadcast on Thursday, admitted the team is unsure about its immediate plans. “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,” he 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,” Ponting added.

Will BCCI shift the remaining IPL 2025 matches?

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal on Thursday said government directives are being awaited before deciding on whether to continue with the league. The league's continuation is in serious doubt after Thursday's match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was called off midway following air raid alerts in nearby cities of Jammu and Pathankot.