Ricky Ponting decides to skip IPL

Australian captain Ricky Ponting has decided to skip the IPL 2009 due to a very busy international schedule. Ponting said "My country comes first and there was no way I could give my all for Australia if I used the only two-week break we have to go and play in India". Ponting also said "Part of the reason I decided to withdraw from the IPL is that Twenty20 is such a physically demanding game and you have to be at your best to play the game and I want to be at my best for the [Twenty20] World Cup."

Australia now have a series against South Africa, then a series against Pakistan. The small break after it is the period for IPL. However World t20, ashes and other follow it which means a very busy schedule. Ponting was given rest during the series against New Zealand but after 2-losses, he came back. Australians poor performance this season is another major reason for Ponting's decision to opt out of IPL.

Ponting is another player after Michael Clarke and Johnson to opt out of the IPL. He plays for Knight Riders which now can replace him with another player for this season. However, Ponting has said that he will be available for IPL 2010