Australian Players' Participation in IPL 2025 Uncertain Amid Tensions
IPL 2025 Resumption Announced
Cricket Australia (CA) has officially addressed the situation regarding Australian players returning to India for the remaining matches of IPL 2025. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Monday that the IPL season will resume after a week-long suspension due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
Revised IPL Schedule Released
The BCCI has unveiled the updated schedule for IPL 2025, which will kick off on May 17 with a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The league stage is set to conclude on May 27, featuring two double-header days on May 18 and 25, while the playoffs will commence on May 29. The final match has been rescheduled to June 3, moving from its original date of May 25.
Government Approval Secured
The announcement of the revised schedule follows a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, allowing the BCCI to proceed with the IPL 2025. However, many international players, particularly from Australia, departed India during the suspension, leaving their participation in the remaining matches uncertain.
Cricket Australia Leaves Decision to Players
In light of the ongoing uncertainty, Cricket Australia has stated that the choice to return to India rests with the individual players. The board has assured that it will support whatever decision the players make regarding their participation. They are also in constant communication with both the Australian Government and the BCCI to ensure player safety.
CA emphasized, "We will support players in their individual decisions regarding returning to India. Team management will address the preparation implications for the World Test Championship final for those who opt to play in the remaining IPL matches."
World Test Championship Final Looms
With the World Test Championship final scheduled for June 11, just eight days after the IPL finale, the participation of Australian and South African players remains in doubt. Franchises have requested players to return to their home venues by May 13.
Reports indicate that Mitchell Starc from Delhi Capitals is unlikely to return to India, according to his manager. IPL franchises have made travel arrangements for overseas players who left India following the IPL's suspension, but it remains uncertain if they will return in time for their teams' remaining matches, especially with national commitments and security concerns.
Australia's Squad for WTC 2025 Announced
In other news, Cricket Australia has revealed the squad for the upcoming World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's. Pat Cummins will captain the team, and all-rounder Cameron Green returns after a year-long injury absence. Australia, the reigning champions after defeating India in the 2023 final, aims to secure their second consecutive title.
Australia qualified for the final by finishing second on the WTC points table with 13 points from 19 matches, achieving a win percentage of 67.54%. They secured their spot in the final after a 3-1 series victory over India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Australia's WTC Final Squad
Australia squad for WTC final: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster. Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett.