The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is all set to resume the remaining fixtures of the season from May 17 (Saturday) after undergoing one week of suspension due to the increased India-Pakistan border conflict.
Also, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed all members of the team to assemble at their respective bases by Tuesday. However, it is reported that some overseas players, particularly the Australians, are unlikely to rejoin the league after they flew back to their home due to the escalated military conflict between both nations.
Moreover, Cricket Australia (CA) released an official statement to support their players’ opinions regarding their participation in the remainder of IPL 2025.
Why Australian Players Won’t Play IPL 2025?
Australian cricketers are unwilling to take part in the completion stages of IPL 2025 as the tournament schedule clashes with their preparations for the World Test Championship (WTC) final 2025 against South Africa on June 11, at Lord’s.
As the IPL 2025 final is scheduled on June 03, just eight days before the WTC final, the Australian and South African test cricketers will be completely exhausted.
Also, it is reported that the CA would support those Aussie players who prioritize their preparation for the WTC final rather than choosing to go back to India to complete the rest of the IPL season. This is because the players might be under pressure or fear of going back to India to avoid facing problems in the future IPL season if they refuse.
CA Gives a Wide-Open Message to BCCI
Cricket Australia is clear with its statement to support the players who are ready to participate in the IPL, as well as join the Australian squad for the WTC final. Here’s what CA gave an open message to the BCCI:
“Certainly! It is up to the individual to decide whether they want to travel to India or not, but Cricket Australia is always ready to support them.
However, the team management will continue to focus on the preparation requirements of the World Test Championship final for those players who are willing to play in the remaining matches of IPL 2025.
Moreover, the communication with the Australian Government and BCCI is actively in progress regarding the security arrangements and safety of players,” the CA spokesperson stated.
Travis Head and Pat Cummins Set to Rejoin SRH for the Remaining IPL 2025
The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins and opening batter Travis Head, who are part of Australia’s WTC final squad, are expected to join the remaining matches of IPL 2025. The latest reports claim that Cummins will fulfill his responsibilities as SRH captain and will complete the remaining two matches of the league stages.
Despite SRH being eliminated out of the playoffs race, the duo Aussie pairs are likely to face off against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders on May 19 and May 25 respectively.
Australian Players in IPL 2025 Who Are Part of the WTC Final Squad
The following is the list of Australian players representing different IPL franchises, who are part of the WTC 2025 final squad as well:
| Player | Role | IPL Team |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) |
| Josh Inglis | Wicketkeeper and Batsman | Punjab Kings (PBKS) |
| Mitchell Starc | Bowler | Delhi Capitals (DC) |
| Travis Head | Batsman | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) |
| Pat Cummins | Bowler | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) |
However, Hazlewood sustained a shoulder niggle and would prefer to undergo rehab to participate in WTC 2025 final.
List of Australian Players Who Are Likely to Skip IPL 2025 After Restart
Although a ceasefire agreement has been announced between India and Pakistan, the following list of Australian players is likely to avoid participating in the remaining fixtures of IPL 2025:
| S.No | Player | Role | Reason to Skip IPL 2025 | IPL Team |
| 1. | Josh Hazlewood | Bowler | Injury / WTC 2025 Final | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| 2. | Tim David | Batsman | Security Concerns | |
| 3. | Glenn Maxwell | All-rounder | Injury | Punjab Kings |
| 4. | Josh Inglis | Wicketkeeper and Batsman | WTC 2025 Final | |
| 5. | Marcus Stoinis | All-rounder | Security Concerns | |
| 6. | Jake Fraser McGurk | Batsman | Security Concerns | Delhi Capitals |
| 7. | Mitchell Starc | Bowler | WTC 2025 Final | |
| 8. | Spencer Johnson | Bowler | Security Concerns | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| 9. | Mitchell Marsh | All-rounder | Security concerns | Lucknow Super Giants |
Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis deny returning to India despite Ricky Ponting trying to convince them!
Marcus Stoinis, the Australian all-rounder who played for Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025, is unlikely to return to India. Also, his fellow countryman Josh Inglis has clarified the same despite their head coach Ricky Ponting trying to convince them.
The previous week, after the ceasefire was announced, Ricky Ponting had already addressed the matter by withdrawing from a homeland-bound charter flight. Also, the support staff of the team, namely Brad Haddin and James Hopes, haven’t yet left India.