Cricket Australia (CA) has declared its support for Australian players who choose to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL), which resumes on May 17, just weeks before the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa at Lord’s on June 11.
After the IPL was paused on May 9 due to escalating India-Pakistan tensions, the BCCI has now announced a revised schedule. This has left several Australian players at a crossroads — balancing personal safety, IPL commitments, and preparation for the WTC Final.
CA’s Message: Players Can Choose Freely
In a statement released on May 13, Cricket Australia confirmed that players will be supported in whichever path they choose.
“Cricket Australia will support players in their individual decisions whether to return to India or not,” the statement said.
“Team management will work through the preparation implications for the WTC final for those who choose to play in the remaining IPL matches.”
CA also stated they are in ongoing contact with the Australian Government and the BCCI regarding security and safety for players and staff.
High-Stakes Decisions for Key Australian Players
With the IPL final now scheduled for June 3 — just eight days before the WTC Final — many players in the Australian Test squad must now decide whether to stay focused on international duties or complete their IPL campaigns.
Players currently involved include:
- Pat Cummins & Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad – out of playoffs)
- Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals – still in playoff race)
- Josh Inglis (Punjab Kings)
- Mitch Marsh (Lucknow Super Giants)
- Josh Hazlewood (RCB – recovering from injury but expected fit)
Additional Australians playing in this year’s IPL include Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Adam Zampa, and several rising stars like Jake Fraser-McGurk and Spencer Johnson.
Coaches, Broadcasters Also Impacted
Not just players, but prominent Australian coaches and commentators also face travel and scheduling decisions.
- Justin Langer (LSG), Mike Hussey (CSK), and Brad Haddin (PBKS) are among coaches caught in this uncertainty.
- Matthew Hayden and Mel Jones, involved in broadcasting, also await clarity.
Some like Ricky Ponting and Haddin reportedly stayed in India during the week-long suspension of IPL play.
Political Tensions Continue to Cast a Shadow
The IPL halt followed an attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 Indian tourists, triggering air-raid sirens and a match disruption on May 8. While the situation has de-escalated following a ceasefire, the shadow of political unrest continues to impact both IPL and Pakistan Super League (PSL), where Australian David Warner is also a participant.
With the WTC Final approaching fast, Australia’s road to Lord’s now includes not only strategic cricketing decisions — but critical personal and logistical ones as well.
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