Cricket Australia issues surprise statement on player participation in remaining IPL 2025 matches

In a significant development ahead of the resumption of IPL 2025, Cricket Australia (CA) has officially addressed the uncertainty surrounding its players’ participation in the remaining matches of the tournament. The IPL, which was abruptly suspended on May 9 due to the military conflict between India and Pakistan, is now scheduled to resume on May 17, with the final slated for June 3.

Amid rising tensions in the subcontinent, CA’s latest statement provides clarity while also offering flexibility. "Cricket Australia will support players in their individual decisions whether to return to India or not,” the board said on Tuesday, May 13. “Team management will work through preparation implications for the World Test Championship final for those players who choose to play in the remaining IPL matches."

With the WTC final between Australia and South Africa scheduled for June 11 at Lord’s just eight days after the IPL final several top Australian cricketers face a tough call. CA’s relaxed stance indicates that it will not enforce a blanket rule, instead allowing players to weigh their own fitness and security concerns.

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Australian Players Uncertain After IPL Suspension Amid Security Concerns

The situation is complicated by the fact that some Australian players were reportedly “shaken” by the India-Pakistan military clash that triggered the IPL suspension. While players such as Pat Cummins and Travis Head (both Sunrisers Hyderabad) are no longer in playoff contention, others like Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals), Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), and Josh Inglis (Punjab Kings) remain integral to their teams' campaigns.

CRICKET AUSTRALIA STATEMENT:

"CA will support players in their individual decisions whether to return for the IPL or not.

Team management will work through preparation implications for the WTC Final for players who choose to play the remaining IPL matches". 🇮🇳

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 13, 2025

Hazlewood, in particular, is believed to be nursing a shoulder injury and may choose to sit out the remainder of the IPL to fully recover ahead of the WTC final.

Most Australian players have returned home since the IPL’s suspension, with only a handful of support staff such as Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin staying back in India. Coaches Justin Langer and Mike Hussey have also flown back due to security concerns.

As the BCCI prepares to host the rest of the season across six venues, the participation of Australian stars will remain a key talking point, both from a team perspective and with an eye on the looming WTC final.