Australia Announces ODI Squad for Pakistan Tour Ahead of IPL Playoffs

IPL 2026 Approaches Final Matches

With just 20 matches remaining in IPL 2026, including four playoff games, the league stage will conclude on May 24, followed by the playoffs starting May 26. The tournament's final is scheduled for May 31. In the meantime, the Australian ODI team for the upcoming tour of Pakistan has been announced, featuring several active players from current IPL teams.

Australian ODI Team for Pakistan Tour

Notably, prominent players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc are absent from the squad. However, several players who are part of IPL teams have been included, such as Josh Inglis and Mitchell Marsh, who play for the Lucknow Super Giants, a team that has already been eliminated from the tournament. This means they can join the national team after May 24.

Key Players in the Australian Squad

Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Riley Meredith, Oliver Peirce, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Matt Short, Billy Stanlake, Adam Zampa.

Potential Complications for Two Players

It's important to note that the Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are still in contention for the playoffs. Two players from the Australian squad, Matt Short and Cameron Green, are part of these teams. If KKR advances to the playoffs, it could complicate matters regarding Green's availability. Similarly, if CSK makes it to the playoffs, the situation could remain the same. Cameron Green is also the most expensive player of the season, having been acquired by KKR for a whopping ₹25.20 crore during the auction.

IPL Playoff Race Intensifies

After 54 matches in IPL 2026, the playoff race has become quite thrilling. The top three teams have identical points and the same number of matches left, increasing the pressure on the teams at the bottom of the standings.