Mumbai: As the stage is being set for the resumption of the IPL, with the BCCI planning to restart it sometime in the coming week, the biggest concern for most franchises is the availability of foreign players. However, much to their relief, Punjab Kings head coach and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has not only decided to stay back in India for the remainder of the tournament — deboarding his flight at the last minute — but has also been convincing the team’s overseas players to return when the league resumes.
The support staff of Punjab Kings, which includes former Australian players Brad Haddin (batting and wicketkeeping coach) and fast bowling coach James Hopes, have also decided to stay back in India for the tournament.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Soon after he learnt of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, Ponting got off the plane after boarding it for Australia. This reflects his terrific character and commitment to Punjab Kings. He is also convincing our overseas players to come back when the last leg of the IPL resumes. Hopefully, all our overseas players — Marco Jansen, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Xavier Bartlett — will be available when the IPL resumes, which should be soon,” Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon told TOI on Sunday.
It’s learnt that while all the four Aussie players — Stoinis, Inglis, Aaron Hardie and Xavier Bartlett — have flown back to Australia, Marco Jansen (South African) and Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai have camped themselves in Dubai, which is a short flight away from India.
The franchise is still awaiting word from the BCCI regarding Australian allrounder Michael Owen, who was playing for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which has now been postponed. “He’s currently in Dubai. His paperwork might take some time,” a source said.
Punjab Kings have three league-stage matches left and are currently placed third on the points table with 15 points from 11 matches.
It remains to be seen what the BCCI decides regarding PBKS’ abandoned match against Delhi Capitals on May 8, which was halted due to security concerns with Punjab at 122 for one in the 11th over.
Menon also thanked the BCCI for facilitating the evacuation of the players, support staff, officials, owners, commentators, and production crew from Dharamsala via a specially arranged Vande Bharat train provided by the Indian Railways, from Jalandhar to Delhi. The Dharamshala airport had been shut due to the war-like situation. “It was a superb gesture by the BCCI to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved in the match,” said the PBKS CEO.
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