a)The "simple" way, inside playersPanel.xc set "iconAlpha": 0,
Drawback: icons are still loaded but not visible to you, so all "bindtoicon" stuff on pp kinda "float" away from panel (hpbar, spottedbulb, clan icon...etc)
also if using background there is empty space in panel (unless you also hide background "alpha": 0, )
b)Not simple way is to move icons off screen with "vehicleIconOffsetXLeft": 0, ally side and "vehicleIconOffsetXRight": 0, enemy side
there are total of 4 panels (not counting none/hidden one), if you use all of them you have to edit all 4.
So you move icons off screen then you move extra field stuff that is bind to contour icons back to center with X alignment, if using it (hp,hpbar,hpbg,spotted...)
Drawback: time investment until you get everything right