The remaining matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) are set to resume on May 17, but a new concern has emerged — the participation of Australian players. While the BCCI has already released the schedule and franchises have begun preparations, uncertainty looms over whether Australia’s top cricketers will return to complete the season.
Cricket Australia (CA) has issued a statement clarifying its stance on the matter. According to the statement, players will be allowed to return to the IPL only if they choose to do so, and the decision will rest entirely on the individuals.
“We respect the players’ decisions if they wish to return to the IPL. For those interested in completing the season, the team management will work with them to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final,” the statement read.
“We are also in ongoing discussions with the BCCI and the Australian Government regarding safety and security protocols.”
The WTC Final between Australia and South Africa is scheduled for June 11 at Lord’s, London, just eight days after the IPL final. Given the short turnaround, concerns about physical readiness and mental fatigue are leading several players to consider skipping the remainder of the IPL.
Key Australian players involved in the IPL include Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Travis Head, and Josh Hazlewood. However, both Cummins and Head’s teams have already been knocked out of the playoffs. Hazlewood is currently recovering from an injury, though he is expected to regain fitness in time for the WTC Final.
Australia’s Squad for the WTC Final vs South Africa:
Pat Cummins (Captain)
Scott Boland
Alex Carey
Cameron Green
Josh Hazlewood
Travis Head
Josh Inglis
Usman Khawaja
Sam Constance
Matt Kuhnemann
Marnus Labuschagne
Nathan Lyon
Steve Smith
Mitchell Starc
Beau Webster
With the IPL resumption just days away, the final call on Australian players’ participation remains pending — a decision that could impact both their franchises and national team preparations.
