RCB: An LSG official told PTI that while some overseas players departed on Saturday, a few have chosen to remain for now.
RCB Confirms Safe Return of Players After IPL 2025 Suspension
Following the suspension of IPL 2025 due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, players from franchises including Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab Kings have returned to their respective hometowns across India and abroad. The league was officially put on hold on Friday, a day after the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala was abandoned midway due to air raid alerts in nearby cities like Jammu and Pathankot.
With the tournament paused, players and support staff from all teams have started heading home. A total of 62 international players were participating in this season of the IPL. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) released a statement confirming that all their players and extended staff had safely returned to Bengaluru and were now homebound to their respective cities and countries. RCB’s foreign players include Tim David, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Philip Salt, Josh Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi, and Nuwan Thushara. The overseas coaching and support staff features head coach Andy Flower, bowling coach Adam Griffith, Director of Cricket Operations Mo Bobat, physio Evan Speechly, and analyst Freddie Wilde.
“We’re deeply grateful for the swift coordination and support from the BCCI, local authorities, and the police who made this possible,” the RCB statement added.
Overseas Players Depart as IPL Faces Suspension Amid Escalating Tensions
In contrast, franchises like Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) saw both domestic and international players departing. According to sources, KKR players left from Hyderabad, where they were set to play against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Following the cancellation of the IPL match in Dharamsala, players from Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals were evacuated to New Delhi via Jalandhar under tight security. They traveled aboard a special ‘Vande Bharat Express’ after being escorted in batches through Hoshiarpur. A PBKS source confirmed that most of their overseas players have since returned home.
Meanwhile, a possible shift in the situation may be underway with India and Pakistan declaring a ceasefire from 5 PM IST on May 10. The BCCI is working to reschedule the remaining IPL matches if conditions stabilize.