Cricket Australia (CA) on May 13 released a statement on their players' participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 when it resumes on May 17 following ceasefire on the India-Pakistan border. A few Australian players were shaken by the events that led to suspension of the 18th edition of the tournament. As a result, the board has left it to the players whether they want to return or not, even for the players who will have little time the prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final against South Africa which starts little over a week after the IPL 2025 final on June 3.
"Cricket Australia will support players in their individual decisions whether to return to India or not," CA said in a statement.
"Team management will work through preparation implications for the World Test Championship final for those players who choose to play in the remaining IPL matches.
"We are maintaining communication with the Australian Government and BCCI around security arrangements and safety."
WTC-bound players
Australia's WTC 2025 final-bound players in the IPL 2025 are Delhi Capitals' (DC) Mitchell Starc, Punjab Kings' (PBKS) Josh Inglis, Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Josh Hazlewood and Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) Pat Cummins and Travis Head.
Hazlewood is unlikely to return as he picked up a shoulder injury whereas according to an Australian media outlet, Starc's manager said that the left-arm pacer may not return to India for the remainder of the tournament.
SRH players will have plenty of time to return and prepare for WTC final as their last league match is on May 25. The finalists of the previous edition are already out of the playoffs race.
Australia's white-ball players and coaching staff
Other players are Chennai Super Kings' Nathan Ellis who has barely got any game time. Similarly, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Spencer Johnson has been warming the benches. DC's Jake Fraser-McGurk and Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) Mitchell Marsh along with PBKS' Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, newly-picked Mitche Owen. Also, Tim David is crucial for RCB considering his current form.
In the coaching staff, LSG's Justin Langer and PBKS' head coach Ricky Ponting and assistant coach Brad Haddin are expected to return.