Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Tuesday that it will support its players’ individual decisions on whether to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to resume on Saturday following a week-long suspension due to deadly India-Pakistan clashes.
While a ceasefire has since been established, many overseas players and staff had already left India. CA acknowledged the overlap between the IPL and Australia’s preparations for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, scheduled for June 11 at Lord’s, noting that it would work through preparation implications for players who choose to participate in the IPL.
Australia’s WTC squad includes top IPL players such as Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Travis Head. Hazlewood’s team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, will host defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in Saturday’s match. Starc’s Delhi Capitals remain in playoff contention, but Cummins and Head’s Sunrisers Hyderabad are out.
The IPL final, now set for June 3, cuts into WTC preparation time. CA added that it remains in communication with the Australian government and the BCCI regarding player safety and security.
Several international players like Kagiso Rabada and Sherfane Rutherford chose to stay in India, while coaching staff—including Australia’s former head coach Ricky Ponting—reportedly did not leave. The resumed IPL will be hosted across six cities, with playoff and final venues yet to be confirmed.
