The IPL 2025 season is set to kick off again on May 17 after being paused because of border issues between India and Pakistan. This has left a lot of overseas players in a tough spot about whether to go back or stay home. Reports say that players like Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc probably won’t return, while others are still deciding.
Originally, the season was supposed to wrap up on May 25, but it will now go on until June 3 due to the situation. This means that the final will take place just a week before the World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa. This timing puts Australian and South African players in a bit of a bind.
Cricket Australia has said it will support players in whatever decision they make about going back to India for the IPL. They also mentioned that there will have to be some plans for players who are in the IPL and also need to join the team for the WTC final on June 11. In a statement, CA said, We’re backing the players’ choice on returning to India. The team management will sort out the preparations for the WTC final for those who decide to play in the rest of the IPL matches. They are also keeping in touch with the Australian Government and BCCI about security and safety.
Hazlewood is confirmed to be out, but players like Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Mitch Starc haven’t made their decisions yet. The BCCI has told the franchises to encourage overseas players to come back for the IPL, so Cricket Australia’s position on this is clear.
