Punjab Kings players packed their bags amid fears of war, but the bold call of Ricky Ponting changed everything
New Delhi: Punjab kings Head coach Ricky Ponting was preparing to return home on announcing a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Despite being an alternative to returning to Australia, the legendary cricketer chose to live, closing the aircraft at the last minute, as was seen by worried passengers.Ponting decided to remain in Delhi and took himself to ensure that the foreign players of PBK-many of them were unresolved by the threat of struggle between the nuclear-Hatharband countries-did not ride in their scheduled flight from the capital on Saturday night.Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon told PTI, “This reflects the character of Ponting. Only he could close it.”The groups of players, who had already abandoned a stressful road and rail journey from Dharmasala to Delhi after abandoning their IPL stability on 8 May, included Australian Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardy, Josh England and Zewear Bartlett.“Foreign players are not used to do anything in this way (war -like war). So, it was natural for them to feel worried. Under Stoinis, they all wanted to leave as soon as possible and wisely. But Ponting has assured them to the post ceasefire that I think I think I think is notable,” said a source within the team.
Among foreign players, only South African all-rounder Marco Jansen has left India, although he lives in Dubai-in terms of a small flight-back return.With the commencement of the IPL, now soon, Punjab Kings are in a strong position, most of his prominent Indian and foreign players are still in the country and are ready to gather again.The leadership of Ponting during a moment of uncertainty has ruled the trust within the squad – a factor that may potentially inspire them to some memorabilia this season.
In the debut season led by Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting, Punjab is now standing on the verge of qualifying for the first playoffs since 2014.The game was stopped after Punjab reached 122 in 10.1 overs in Delhi Capital Dharmasala. The match is ready to resume from that point, although the site and date remains to be finalized.
