IPL 2025: Not all fans of the Indian Premier League are aware what was the magnitude of fear in Dharmasala owing to the India/Pakistan war last week when a match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals had to be called off.

On Sunday, the big boss of Punjab Kings, Preity Zinta, posted on social media how scurrying for safety was more important than posing for selfies inside the HPCA Stadium.

Indeed, war between India and Pakistan has resulted in many overseas cricketers flying back. The onus is on the IPL Governing Council to come up with a quick plan on over a dozen league matches remaining, and then the Playoffs and final. It is now certain, the matches will be played in Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

There are also rumours, the IPL final could be moved out of Kolkata to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The IPL has to be completed for various reasons, where commerce over cricket is important.

The challenge will be to see if the teams on top will be able to produce the same intensity. One can rule out if some of the foreign players refuse to return, even though there is a ceasfire between India and Pakistan.

Wars are bad for everyone and to think players are not traumatised is lousy. Playing in front of packed arenas is one thing when life is normal. A ceasefire in war, there is still fear for the players. Add to it the ICC Test Championship final coming up, how the IPL franchises pressurise overseas players remains to be seen.

Josh Hazlewood is injured and his absence will be big for RCB. In addition to the players, coaching staff and commentators also fled India. Josh was injured for the May 3 fixture against Chennai Super Kings.

Bigger challenge for Josh, Cricket Australia will consider him for a conditioning camp in England ahead of the ICC World Test Championship final. Other Aussies who have also flown out include Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Travis Head. It does not matter if Sunrisers Hyderabad are out of the IPL Playoffs. The team owners will want them back, as they do not support charity after 'buying' players.

Two Kiwi players, Mitchell Santner and Bevin Jacobs returned home, though some more are reportedly in India. Will the South African players also be seen in the remainder of the IPL will be interesting. SA, too, has to prepare for the ICC Test Championship final. It is important for them.

Club versus country, that debate can be stoked again. The IPL was seen as something detrimental to cricket and players. Now the situation is different. Dynamics have changed and South Africa also need to prepare for the Test final. It is very well known, in terms of safety, India will provide best guarantee inside the arenas where IPL matches are held.

Will all the players who are expected to peak in the home run of the IPL be able to get their act together again. For someone like RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, this break due to the war has been a blessing. However, there is so much churning in Indian cricket, can a Shubman Gill keep his cool. He is the Young Turk being hyped as India's next Test captain!