Australian Players Set to Prioritize IPL 2026 Over ODI Series Against Pakistan

Cricket Australia has confirmed that its players, including captain Pat Cummins, will prioritize their IPL 2026 commitments over the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan. This decision allows them to skip the three-match series starting May 30, as the IPL's league phase concludes just days before. With several Australian players involved in the IPL, including Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood, the focus now shifts to their performance in the league and potential participation in the national squad for the series against Pakistan. As the IPL playoffs approach, the dynamics of player availability are becoming increasingly complex.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 7, 2026, 16:34 IST

Cricket Australia Grants IPL Exemption to Players

Melbourne: On Thursday, Cricket Australia announced that its players, including captain Pat Cummins, will be permitted to participate in the IPL 2026, allowing them to skip the three-match ODI series against Pakistan starting May 30.

The IPL's league stage wraps up on May 24, with the final match scheduled for May 31.

Australian players are expected to arrive in Islamabad on May 23, coinciding with the crucial final stages of the IPL.

A source from Sunrisers Hyderabad confirmed, "Yes, we have received communication that the Australian players in our squad will stay back for the IPL."

In addition to Cummins, the SRH roster includes opener Travis Head.

Currently, the Hyderabad team leads the points table with 14 points, nearing a playoff spot.

Other Australians participating in the IPL include Josh Hazlewood, Tim David (RCB), Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis (LSG), Xavier Bartlett, Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly (PBKS), Matthew Short (CSK), Mitchell Starc (DC), and Cameron Green (KKR).

Green and Starc may exit the IPL after the league phase if their teams, Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, do not qualify for the knockout rounds.

Delhi Capitals sit seventh with eight points from ten matches, while Kolkata Knight Riders are eighth with seven points from nine games.

Meanwhile, the Super Giants' chances of reaching the playoffs appear slim, as they are at the bottom of the table with just four points from nine games.

Consequently, Marsh and Inglis might join the Australian squad in Pakistan before the first ODI, although Cricket Australia has yet to announce the team for the series.

Players like Hazlewood, David, and Connolly will remain in the IPL, as RCB and PBKS still have a strong chance of advancing to the playoffs.

They are anticipated to rejoin the national team in Bangladesh during the first week of June.

Australia is set to compete in three ODIs and three T20Is against Bangladesh starting June 9.