Aussie Cricket Stars Allegedly Set to Abandon India as International Tensions Rise

A number of Australian cricketers and coaches are reportedly preparing to vacate India as tensions between the country and Pakistan escalate.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, players involved in Pakistan’s T20 Super League, including Australian great David Warner and fast bowler Sean Abbott, are already making arrangements to travel to the United Arab Emirates, where the tournament has been relocated.

Organisers of the Indian Premier League are now contemplating whether to suspend the competition or potentially shift it to another country.

On Wednesday morning, the Indian government launched several missiles targeting areas controlled by Pakistan, raising concerns about the possibility of an all-out war between the neighbouring nations.

With the Pakistan league already securing the UAE as its alternate venue, the Indian league may have to consider options such as South Africa if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wishes to continue with the tournament.

The IPL was already compelled to cancel a match in Dharamshala, situated near the Pakistan border, on Thursday after air-raid sirens were activated in the vicinity.

The venue was evacuated promptly.

“We are currently assessing the situation. It is a developing scenario,” IPL chief Arun Dhumal stated to PTI.

“We have not received any directives from the government. A decision will ultimately be made with all logistical considerations in mind.

“It’s a fluid situation, and any decisions made will prioritise the interests of all stakeholders involved.”

The Herald reports that numerous Australian players are eager to leave India at the earliest opportunity.

This includes Test captain Pat Cummins, alongside seasoned players Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, and Mitch Marsh, all of whom are competing in this year’s IPL.

Aussie legends Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin are also among those serving as coaches.