In view of the revival of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Cricket Australia (CA) has decided to leave it up to individual players to decide whether to go back to India. After a truce between India and Pakistan, CA released a statement on Tuesday (May 13) fully supporting players who might not rejoin the tournament due to concerns over personal safety and professional interests.
IPL Continues After Suspension Due To India-Pakistan Tensions
The IPL was suspended on May 9 following a sudden escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, raising widespread alarm. This prompted the exit of several Australian cricketers, coaches, and commentators from India. The league will now resume on Saturday, May 17, with a game between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders in Bengaluru—one of six cities chosen to host the remaining 13 group-stage matches.
Cricket Australia Offers Full Support To Its Players
“Cricket Australia will support players in their individual decisions whether to return to India or not. Team management will work through the 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,” said CA
IPL Suspension
The suspension followed shortly after a hair-raising moment during a game between Punjab Kings (coached by Ricky Ponting) and Delhi Capitals, with Mitchell Starc, on May 8. The match in Dharamsala was halted due to air-raid sirens, and the game was abandoned during mid-innings. The episode heightened foreign players’ and, in particular, Australians’, safety concerns.
Hard Decisions Lying Ahead For Australian Players
Australian players now have to consider their options seriously. The new IPL schedule conflicts with the World Test Championship (WTC) final on June 11, when Australia will play South Africa at Lord’s. Some of the major WTC team players such as Pat Cummins, Travis Head (SRH), Josh Inglis (PBKS), Mitch Marsh (LSG), and Mitchell Starc (DC) are still playing in the IPL. Though SRH is out of playoff contention, PBKS, DC, and LSG still have a chance.
Josh Hazlewood, another Australian in the RCB team, is recovering from a shoulder injury but should be available for the WTC final.
More Aussies Still Present
Apart from the WTC-bound players, there are some other Australian players still present in the IPL. They include Nathan Ellis (CSK), Jake Fraser-McGurk (DC), Spencer Johnson (KKR), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett (PBKS), Tim David (RCB), and Adam Zampa (SRH).
Coaches And Commentators Too In Limbo
Not only players, but even coaches and commentators of Australia are also in the air. Justin Langer (LSG), Brad Haddin (PBKS), Mike Hussey (CSK), and commentators Matthew Hayden and Mel Jones must now take an individual decision on returning to their roles in India. Interestingly, Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin are said to have remained back during the week-long ban.
