The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is facing the real threat of a mass overseas exodus, with several Australian players preparing to leave the country due to rising Indo-Pak tensions. In a repeat of what unfolded in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 recently, overseas cricketers are growing increasingly uneasy about continuing in a high-alert security environment.
Australians want to leave IPL 2025?
As per the Sydney Morning Herald’s sources, it has indicated that player agents are in touch with Cricket Australia (CA) and are arranging travel plans, especially for players stationed in sensitive zones like Dharamsala. The concern is mirrored by other nationalities as well—Bangladeshi players exited the PSL early, and just yesterday, a group of England cricketers requested early withdrawal from the PSL due to safety fears. The IPL, it appears, could soon follow the same path.
Several Australian cricketers, including Test captain Pat Cummins and prominent players like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, and Mitch Marsh, are eager to depart India as soon as possible, according to The Herald. Additionally, Australian legends Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin, who are working as coaches in the IPL, are also likely affected.
IPL 2025 under jeopardy?
With a backdrop of drone and missile threats near the border, the Dharamsala match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abandoned mid-game due to a blackout caused by emergency security measures. Spectators were evacuated, and players whisked away under armed guard to their hotels.
Though the BCCI has not made any formal announcement, it is understood that the option of relocating the tournament to South Africa is under active discussion. South Africa has previously hosted the IPL in 2009 amid election-time scheduling conflicts. However, a pause or partial suspension is also most likely on the table.
“Obviously it is an evolving situation and any decision will be taken keeping the best interest of all stakeholders in mind,” IPL chairman Arun Dhumal told PTI right after the abrupt end to the PBKS vs DC game yesterday. As of now, the tournament continues—but with overseas departures imminent and logistical uncertainty mounting, the IPL 2025 season is hanging by a thread.
