Punjab Kings players packed their bags amid war fears, but Ricky Ponting's bold call changed everything

NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting 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.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."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 Marcus Stoinis, 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.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.With the resumption of the IPL now expected soon, Punjab Kings are in a strong position, with most of their key Indian and overseas players still in the country and ready to regroup.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.In the debut season under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer 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.