Latest news with #SatishMenon
News.com.au
11-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘Only he could have pulled that off': Courageous Ricky Ponting move leaves cricket world speechless
Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has drawn widespread praise from the cricket world after stunningly convincing players to remain in India so the Indian Premier League (IPL) could continue after a ceasefire was called. Pontings' Punjab Kings' (PBKS) match against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dharamsala was called off midway through the first innings on Thursday due to a blackout stemming from air raid warnings in nearby Jammu and Pathankot. And as a result of India's bubbling cross-border tension with Pakistan, the IPL was suspended with many overseas players and coaches boarding the first flights home. But after a ceasefire was agreed between the two warring nations on Saturday, Ponting – who was on a plane ready to leave the country when news of the ceasefire broke – reportedly disembarked and encouraged those anxious players on board the flight to remain in India so the IPL could continue. According to local media, including Times of India, Australian players like Xavier Bartlett and Aaron Hardie were given serious pep talks by Ponting before agreeing to follow the 50-year-old's lead and remaining in India, leading to PBKS CEO Satish Menon praising the Australian cricket captain's leadership and courage. 'It shows Ponting's character. Only he could have pulled that off,' Menon told India Today. But Ponting wasn't done, he also reportedly called several of his players bound for other flights to encourage them to stay behind. 'All PBKS foreign players barring Marco Jansen never left India,' Bharat Sharma told the Press Trust of India. 'Ponting deboarded the flight home after the ceasefire announcement and gave a pep talk to players ensuring they all don't take a flight back home from Delhi on Saturday night.' The cricket world was blown away by Ponting's courage and leadership. 'An overseas coach who has little knowledge of the India-Pakistan history, it takes serious guts to stay. Ricky Ponting is damn serious about ending the IPL trophy drought for Punjab,' one fan wrote after news of Pontings' actions broke. 'Ricky Ponting hats off for staying back and asking your boys to also stay back in India it takes lots of Guts and Courage Punjab Kings are Here to Win The IPL,' another said. 'Ricky Ponting is lion hearted person, that's why he saw all the success through his career. Legend of game,' another wrote. PBKS are in the race to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2014, and the franchise is hopeful that they will have a full-strength team if the IPL restarts as expected. Punjab Kings are currently third on the IPL table with 15 points. Several Australian cricket stars return home as IPL decision looms The IPL board is reportedly set to meet on Monday (AEDT) to discuss when the league can resume, which could come as early as next weekend if the ceasefire is to continue. But the ceasefire is already on shaky ground. Both sides have accused the other of breaking the agreement already after four days of missile, drone and artillery attacks which killed at least 60 people and sent thousands fleeing, in the worst violence since India and Pakistan's last open conflict in 1999. And since the ceasefire was agreed India has accused Pakistan of violating the deal and declared it would be retaliating. A short while later, Pakistan then pointed the finger at India and said attacks were still being carried out in some areas despite the agreement. But even if the ceasefire does hold and the IPL restarts, with only 12 regular-season matches plus finals still to play, many Aussies will likely not return amid safety concerns. Several Aussie stars such as Mitchell Starc, Tim David, Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis all returned home on Sunday and are unlikely to return to India. While the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings are already out of finals contention, with each only having one or two games left and mathematically out of contention. So the likes of Pat Cummins, Travis Head and Nathan Ellis who all are contracted to those sides would almost certainly not return irrespective of if the tournament continues. While Starc, Inglis and Mitch Marsh are among squads still in finals contention but have returned Down Under and are no guarantees to return. The IPL window is supposed to close on May 25, as Australia begins preparations for the World Test Championship final against South Africa starting on June 11.
India Today
11-05-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Ricky Ponting convinced foreign players to stay back in India: PBKS CEO Satish Menon
Punjab Kings (PBKS) CEO Satish Menon has revealed that head coach Ricky Ponting has convinced most of the foreign players to stay back in India. According to a report in PTI, all foreign players along with Ponting had boarded a flight to head back home on Saturday after the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) was suspended. However, after India and Pakistan signed a ceasefire agreement, Ponting got off the plane and also made sure that other foreign players also stayed back in Australian bunch of players in the PBKS, such as Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis and Xavier Bartlett, were nervous as the border tensions between India and Pakistan escalated. However, Ponting managed to calm them down through a pep talk, which even left PBKS CEO Satish Menon in awe of his character."It shows Ponting's character. Only he could have pulled that off," Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon told PTI. Furthermore, a source revealed that all the Australian players were willing to fly back home, but Ponting remarkably managed to change their mind at the very last minute."The foreign players are not used to something like this (war like situation). So, it was natural for them to feel anxious. Led by Stoinis, they all wanted to leave at the earliest and understandably so. But Ponting has convinced them to stay back post ceasefire, which I think is remarkable," a PBKS team source told Africa all-rounder Marco Jansen is the only player to have flown back home from the Punjab Kings. However, he is transiting in Dubai and hence can take a quick flight back to India. The IPL 2025 was suspended after the Pakistan army attacked in several parts of north India on May 8 which also forced the authorities to stop the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals (DC) Match 58 happening in Dharamsala updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Punjab Kings players packed their bags amid war fears, but Ricky Ponting's bold call changed everything
NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings head coach was preparing to fly back home when the ceasefire between India and Pakistan was announced. Despite having the option to return to Australia, the legendary cricketer chose to stay, stepping off the plane at the last minute as anxious passengers looked on. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Ponting decided to remain in Delhi and took it upon himself to ensure that PBKS' overseas players — many of whom were unsettled by the looming threat of conflict between two nuclear-armed nations — did not board their scheduled flight from the capital on Saturday night. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "It shows Ponting's character. Only he could have pulled that off," Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon told PTI, referring to the motivational talk delivered by the World Cup-winning captain to the squad's foreign contingent. The group of players, who had already endured a tense road and rail journey from Dharamsala to Delhi following the abandonment of their IPL fixture on May 8, included Australians , Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, and Xavier Bartlett. "The foreign players are not used to something like this (war like situation). So, it was natural for them to feel anxious. Led by Stoinis, they all wanted to leave at the earliest and understandably so. But Ponting has convinced them to stay back post ceasefire which I think is remarkable," said a source within the team. India's probable Test squad for England Tour Among the overseas players, only South African all-rounder Marco Jansen has left India for the time being, although he remains in Dubai — just a short flight away — in case of an immediate return. , Punjab Kings are in a strong position, with most of their key Indian and overseas players still in the country and ready to regroup. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Ponting's leadership during a moment of uncertainty appears to have reignited belief within the squad — a factor that could potentially inspire them to something memorable this season. Explained: Why Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket In the debut season under the leadership of and Ricky Ponting, Punjab now stand on the brink of qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Delhi Capitals were the other team caught in Dharamsala when the game was halted after Punjab had reached 122 for 1 in 10.1 overs. The match is set to resume from that point, though the venue and date are yet to be finalised.
India.com
11-05-2025
- Sport
- India.com
Punjab Kings Issues Official Statement Following IPL Halt Over Indo-Pak Tensions
In a heartfelt message shared on their official Instagram handle, the franchise confirmed: "We're pleased to communicate that all our players, support staff, and everyone associated with Punjab Kings cricket operations are safe and secure." The statement extended sincere gratitude to the BCCI, IPL, Indian Railways, Police, State authorities, and the internal operations teams for facilitating the safe relocation of players and staff from both Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, who were recently stationed in Dharamsala. "A heartfelt thank you to the BCCI, IPL, Indian Railways, Police, State authorities, and our internal operations team for ensuring the safe movement of players, coaches, families, and support staff from both Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings to a secure location," the statement read. The franchise also acknowledged the leadership of its internal team during this sensitive period, noting: "We are especially grateful to our wing commanders for their calm and swift leadership, and to our CEO, Mr. Satish Menon, whose steady guidance has been instrumental throughout this process." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Punjab Kings (@punjabkingsipl) Reflecting on the season, the franchise called it a memorable chapter both on and off the field, crediting their fans for unwavering support: "It's been a standout season for the IPL and for Punjab Kings. None of it would've been possible without our fans. Your support through every high and low has meant the world, and we're truly grateful." In light of current events, PBKS made a strong appeal to the media for calm and responsible reporting: "We also make a humble appeal to the media, please keep the reporting calm, factual, and responsible. This isn't the moment for panic or noise. It's a moment to move forward with care and perspective." The statement concluded with a patriotic message, expressing solidarity with the Indian armed forces and recalling the emotional scenes from their most recent match in Dharamsala: "Most importantly, in moments like these, it's important we stay united and composed. We stand firmly with our armed forces. Nation First. Always. Yesterday's game in Dharamsala was unforgettable, from B Praak's stirring tribute to our armed forces to the electric atmosphere in the stands. Thank you once again to every single person who played a part in ensuring the safety, success, and spirit of this journey."
India Gazette
10-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Punjab Kings issue statement on IPL postponement amid India-Pakistan tensions
New Delhi [India], May 11 (ANI): Following the postponement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) have issued an official statement, assuring fans and the wider cricketing community of the safety and well-being of their players, staff, and personnel. In a heartfelt message shared on their official Instagram handle, the franchise confirmed, 'We're pleased to communicate that all our players, support staff, and everyone associated with Punjab Kings cricket operations are safe and secure.' The statement extended sincere gratitude to various authorities and individuals who played a crucial role in ensuring the safe relocation of players and staff from both Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals (DC), who were recently in Dharamsala. 'A heartfelt thank you to the BCCI, IPL, Indian Railways, Police, State authorities, and our internal operations team for ensuring the safe movement of players, coaches, families, and support staff from both Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, from Dharamsala to a secure location,' the statement read. 'We are especially grateful to our wing commanders for their calm and swift leadership, and to our CEO, Mr. Satish Menon, whose steady guidance has been instrumental throughout this process,' the statement added. The franchise also took a moment to reflect on the season, calling it a memorable one both on and off the field, 'It's been a standout season, for the IPL and for Punjab Kings. None of it would've been possible without our fans. Your support through every high and low has meant the world, and we're truly grateful.' In light of the ongoing situation, the franchise made a strong appeal to the media for responsible and composed reporting, 'We also make a humble appeal to the media -- please keep the reporting calm, factual, and responsible. This isn't the moment for panic or noise. It's a moment to move forward with care and perspective.' The statement ended on a patriotic note, expressing solidarity with the Indian armed forces and reflecting on the emotional scenes from their most recent fixture. 'Most importantly, in moments like these, it's important we stay united and composed. We stand firmly with our armed forces. Nation First. Always. Yesterday's game in Dharamsala was unforgettable from B Praak's stirring tribute to our armed forces to the electric atmosphere in the stands. Thank you once again to every single person who played a part in ensuring the safety, success, and spirit of this journey,' the statement concluded. (ANI)
