As the Indian Premier League (IPL) prepares for a return, most international cricket players are having to go through several travel permissions and last-minute approvals as they plan to return to India to finish the tournament. However, this is not the case, Marco Jansen.
The South African fast bowler has stationed himself in Dubai, using the break to stay close to the action, just a short flight from India. While uncertainty looms for many players, Jansen is all fired up as his team Punjab Kings, gears up for the league’s crucial final phase.
The BCCI is reportedly working to restart the IPL as early as the coming weekend, around May 15, pending final government clearance. With logistics in motion, the focus has shifted to recalling overseas players and coaching staff, many of whom had returned home during the brief suspension.
Among those staying committed to the cause is Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting. The former Australian captain was en route to Australia but made a sudden U-turn, deboarding his flight after learning of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He chose to remain in India and has since been encouraging the franchise’s international players to return.
“Soon after he learnt of the ceasefire, Ricky got off the plane. That shows his terrific character and commitment to the team,” said Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon told media sources.
“We’re hopeful all our overseas players — Marco Jansen, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Xavier Bartlett — will be available when the IPL restarts, which should be very soon.”
While the four Australians, Stoinis, Inglis, Aaron Hardie, and Bartlett, flew back to Australia, in contrast, Jansen and Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai opted to remain in Dubai, avoiding travel delays and keeping themselves ready for a quick call-up.
Punjab Kings are also awaiting an update on Australian all-rounder Michael Owen, who was recently playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) before its postponement. Owen is currently in Dubai, though his clearance paperwork is still in progress.
With 15 points from 11 matches, Punjab Kings are placed third on the IPL table and remain in strong contention for the playoffs. The franchise has three league-stage matches remaining. It also awaits a decision from the BCCI regarding its abandoned match against Delhi Capitals on May 8, which was halted due to security concerns with Punjab at 122 for one in the 11th over.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been postponed indefinitely, after earlier plans to move the tournament to Dubai were scrapped. The final eight matches of PSL were scheduled to be held in the Emirates.
