Australia's Cricket Stars to Skip Pakistan Amid PCB's Failed Scheme

PCB's Plans Foiled as Australian Players Opt Out

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has faced another setback, as its chief, Mohsin Naqvi, experiences a significant blow to his ambitions. Naqvi aimed to disrupt the IPL, but a recent statement from Cricket Australia has made it clear that prominent Australian players will not be traveling to Pakistan. This development is a major disappointment for the PCB.

ODI Series Scheduled Between Pakistan and Australia

A three-match ODI series is set to take place between Pakistan and Australia, with the schedule unexpectedly released on Thursday morning. The first match is slated for May 30 in Rawalpindi. This announcement came just a day after the BCCI revealed the IPL playoff schedule, which includes the final on May 31. The timing of these events raises suspicions of a conspiracy.

IPL Playoff Teams' Players Will Not Travel to Pakistan

It is believed that the PCB intended to create disruptions in the IPL. They anticipated that the ODI series would lure all Australian players to Pakistan, potentially diminishing the IPL final's appeal. However, Cricket Australia has confirmed that players participating in the IPL final will not be required to travel to Pakistan.

Australian Stars Set to Compete in IPL

Pat Cummins, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, along with Travis Head, who plays for the same team, and Josh Hazlewood from RCB, are all likely to be involved in the IPL playoffs. Mitchell Starc, representing Delhi Capitals, may also participate. Consequently, these players will not be heading to Pakistan. Following the series against Pakistan, the Australian team will travel to Bangladesh for a series of three ODIs and three T20 internationals starting June 9, where these players could return. However, players from teams that do not qualify for the IPL playoffs may still join the ODI series in Pakistan.