New Delhi, May 11 – In a powerful show of leadership, Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting opted to stay back in Delhi even as he was moments away from flying home to Australia, following the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
Ponting’s decision came just as concerns over a potential full-scale conflict between the nuclear-armed nations left many, including foreign cricketers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), uneasy. Though he had the option to proceed with his return journey, Ponting disembarked from the packed aircraft at the last minute, choosing instead to stand by his team.
Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon lauded Ponting’s move, calling it a testament to his character. “It shows Ponting's character. Only he could have pulled that off,” said Menon, referring to the pep talk the World Cup-winning captain delivered to a tense group of foreign players.
The PBKS squad had travelled nervously from Dharamsala to Delhi by road and rail after their IPL game was abandoned on May 8. The anxious group included Australians Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, and Xavier Bartlett. According to a team source, the players, led by Stoinis, were eager to leave the country due to the escalated tensions. However, Ponting's intervention proved crucial.
“The foreign players are not used to something like this. So, it was natural for them to feel anxious. But Ponting has convinced them to stay back post-ceasefire, which I think is remarkable,” the source added.
Among overseas players, South African Marco Jansen was the only one who left India, though he remains in close reach while transiting through Dubai.
With the resumption of the IPL expected soon, Punjab Kings are in a strong position with most of their key Indian and international players already in the country and on standby.
Ponting’s leadership during the crisis may serve as a turning point for the franchise. Under the new era of Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting, Punjab Kings are on the verge of reaching the play-offs for the first time since 2014.
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals were also stranded in Dharamsala. The previously abandoned match, where Punjab had raced to 122 for 1 in just 10.1 overs, will resume from that scoreline at a venue and date yet to be confirmed.