Concerns Rise for Australian Players Ahead of IPL 2025 Resumption
IPL 2025 Set to Resume Amid Player Concerns
As the IPL 2025 is scheduled to restart on May 16, several teams are anxious about the participation of their Australian players. Cricket Australia has expressed its support for those who may choose not to return to India to fulfill their league commitments. Notably, Mitchell Starc from the Delhi Capitals is contemplating withdrawing from the remaining matches.
Among the 14 Australian players initially slated to participate in IPL 2025, Mitchell Owen has yet to make his debut. Meanwhile, Adam Zampa has been ruled out for the season due to a significant injury, and Glenn Maxwell's status is uncertain due to his own injury concerns. Reports indicate that if these players opt to return home, they may not be invited back. Additionally, the BCCI is considering imposing a two-year ban on foreign players who abandon their commitments.
The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan have disrupted the league's operations this season. A match between PBKS and DC in Dharamsala was canceled due to a power outage, and foreign players had to be evacuated by train due to airport closures in the northern region.
Australian Players in IPL 2025:
- Chennai Super Kings: Nathan Ellis
- Delhi Capitals: Mitchell Starc, Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Kolkata Knight Riders: Spencer Johnson
- Lucknow Super Giants: Mitch Marsh
- Punjab Kings: Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell (Ruled out), Mitch Owen (Yet to join), Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Josh Hazlewood, Tim David
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Adam Zampa (Ruled out)
Currently, the BCCI is working on a revised schedule to conclude IPL 2025 by May 25, hoping for government approval. If delays occur, the league could extend until May 30, with 13 matches still pending, including the postponed PBKS vs DC game.
A further extension could pose challenges for Australian players, who have an agreement with Cricket Australia allowing them to participate in the IPL only until May 25. If the league extends beyond this date, they would need to seek new permissions, which may not be granted.
Compounding the situation is the upcoming WTC Final in 2025, where Australia is set to face South Africa on June 11. The plan was for Australian players to return home by June 6 before heading to England. However, if the IPL extends past May 25, many may opt out due to the demanding schedule.
Pat Cummins, the key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad, remains uncertain about his return. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are also unlikely to return, with Starc indicating he would withdraw if the IPL continues. Hazlewood, recovering from a shoulder injury, missed his last game and faces a tough road to recovery.
Fortunately, there is optimism that the IPL will conclude by May 25, as India A is scheduled for several red-ball matches in England starting May 30. Fans are hopeful for a timely resolution.