New Delhi: With the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) set to resume on May 17, Cricket Australia (CA) has issued a clear statement regarding its players’ participation in the remaining matches. The league, previously suspended due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, now faces uncertainty over the availability of several overseas stars, particularly Australians.
Amid reports that Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc are unlikely to return to India, and others like Pat Cummins, Travis Head, and Josh Inglis still undecided, CA has declared it will support each player’s personal decision regarding whether or not to rejoin their IPL franchises.
“Cricket Australia will support players in their individual decisions whether to return to India or not,” the board said in an official statement. “Team management will work through the preparation implications for the World Test Championship final for those players who choose to play in the remaining IPL matches.”
The IPL 2025 final is now scheduled for June 3, just one week ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa on June 11. This tight timeline presents a significant scheduling conflict for players involved in both tournaments. Cricket Australia has acknowledged the challenges, particularly regarding preparation and recovery for the high-stakes Test match.
“We are maintaining communication with the Australian Government and BCCI around security arrangements and safety,” CA added, referring to the geopolitical tensions that initially disrupted the IPL season.
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly directed all franchises to ensure that foreign players return for the remaining matches. However, CA’s statement underscores that Australian players will not be obligated and are free to prioritize national commitments or personal safety.
The situation now puts franchises and international boards in a delicate position, balancing league obligations with international duties and player well-being in the lead-up to a major ICC event.
