Aussie cricketers narrowly avoid missile strike in panicked departure from Pakistan
Updated . First published
Cricketers, including a few Australians, have reportedly only narrowly avoided a missile strike in Pakistan as they attempted to depart the country for Dubai.
Conflict between Pakistan and India has seen the IPL and Pakistani Super League postponed, with Aussie cricketers in both countries fleeing.
The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that the military base the cricketers departed from in Islamabad was targeted by Indian forces soon after the plane departed.
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Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis were among those on the flight Getty
The likes of Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Ashton Turner and Mitch Owen were reportedly on the chartered flight.
Indian forces targeted the Nur Khan military base the cricketers and broadcasters departed from not long after they left.
In a televised address, Lt General Chaudhry, of the Pakistani military, claimed the majority of India's missiles were intercepted but others made it through.
He described the strikes as "cowardly".
Flights are being arranged out of Dubai to bring the Australian cricketers home. They have reportedly all made it safely out of Pakistan.
Peter Lovitt, who manages Abbott and Dwarshuis confirmed to The Herald that both men are "relieved to be in Dubai now" and are getting ready to fly back to Sydney.
"It has obviously been a challenging last 24 hours or so for all the players both physically and mentally. The next steps are to get them home safely as soon as possible. The organisers of the PSL have done their best to get the players out of Pakistan quickly in trying circumstances in a situation that is much bigger than the game of cricket itself," Lovitt said.
Air raid warnings near Dharamsala have forced the postponement of the IPL after a blackout previously occurred in a match between Delhi and Punjab, with the game cancelled. Ricky Ponting coaches Punjab while Mitchell Starc plays for Delhi.
"The decision was taken by the IPL governing council after due consultation with all key stakeholders following the representations from most of the franchisees, who conveyed the concern and sentiments of their players, and also the views of the broadcaster, sponsors and fans; while the BCCI reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders," the IPL said in a statement.
"At this critical juncture, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation. We express our solidarity with the government of India, the armed forces and the people of our country. The board salutes the bravery, courage, and selfless service of our armed forces, whose heroic efforts under Operation Sindoor continue to protect and inspire the nation, as they lead a resolute response to the recent terrorist attack and the unwarranted aggression by Pakistan's armed forces."
Mitchell Starc of Delhi Capitals. Getty
The PSL was initially set to conclude its season in the UAE, however plans have since been scrapped.
The Guardian reports that, out of fear of upsetting the BCCI, the UAE have opted not to host the Pakistani tournament and instead have offered to host the remainder of the IPL.
The Indian government fired several missiles at Pakistan-controlled land on Wednesday morning, and there are fears of an all-out war between the two Asian neighbours breaking out.
The likes of Test captain Pat Cummins, as well as veterans Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head and Mitch Marsh, are among the Australians playing in this year's IPL.
Aussie greats Ponting and Brad Haddin are among those working as coaches.
