Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) got some good news as it turns out Josh Hazlewood is ready to come back for the rest of the IPL season. He won’t be back right away, but he’s expected to rejoin his teammates in May since the season has been extended to June 3 because of the current situation between India and Pakistan. Initially, it was believed that Hazlewood had an injury that would keep him from rejoining RCB when the season picks up again on May 17. But things have changed recently.
A source told Hindustan Times, “Josh is preparing to arrive in India by the end of the last week of May. He’ll be available for the playoffs.”
There’s also been some uncertainty about Mitchell Starc and whether he’ll return to the Delhi Capitals for the rest of the season. He hasn’t confirmed that he will be back, and the team has already signed Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for opening batter Jake Fraser-McGurk, who is out for the rest of the season. According to a source, “Starc has informed the DC management that he won’t be coming back. The franchise has accepted his decision.”
The BCCI announced on Monday that they will resume the league after consulting with the government, pushing the final to June 3, which was originally set for May 25. This new schedule gives very little time for the Australian and South African players who want to participate in the IPL playoffs to get ready for the World Test Championship final starting at Lord’s on June 11. To help with this situation, the BCCI has allowed teams to make temporary replacement signings.
Download the CricInformer app
Take CricInformer with you. Get our app for cricket news and updates on your phone.