Ricky Ponting, however, stepped off the plane and even persuaded the other foreign players to remain in India after India and Pakistan negotiated a ceasefire agreement. Australian players like Aaron Hardie and Xavier Bartlett were nervous, but Ponting’s motivational speech helped them relax. The former Australian captain’s character astounded PBKS CEO Satish Menon.
On Thursday, May 8, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) game against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dharamsala was called off in the middle of the first innings. In light of the cross-border tension between India and Pakistan, this decision was made to protect the players, broadcast crew, and spectators.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 was then put on hold for a week. After this announcement, a large number of foreign coaches and athletes went home. All of the international players in the Shreyas Iyer-led team, including PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting, reportedly boarded a plane to return home.
It demonstrates Ricky Ponting personality. India Today cited Menon as adding, “Only he could have done that.”
All of the Australian players were excited to return home, according to a source close to the PBKS team, but Ricky Ponting somehow changed their minds at the last minute.
“This kind of scenario, which resembles a conflict, is unfamiliar to the international participants. Therefore, it was normal for them to experience anxiety. It was understandable that they all wanted to depart as soon as possible under Stoinis’ leadership. A PBKS team insider told the aforementioned news portal, “But Ponting has convinced them to stay back post-ceasefire, which I think is remarkable.”
After ten years, Punjab hopes to make it to the playoffs.
Notably, for the first time since 2014, the Punjab Kings are almost certain to make it to the playoffs. PBKS would have been the first side to qualify for the playoffs in the 18th IPL if they had defeated Delhi earlier this week. The rise of young players like Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya has been exciting to witness, while Shreyas has led the squad from the front.
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