Cricket Australia (CA) has officially stated that it will support Australian players who choose not to return to India for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to safety concerns and tight international schedules.
The IPL, which was suspended on May 9 following escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, is set to resume on May 17 after a ceasefire agreement was reached. However, several Australian players, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Travis Head, had already returned home and are now faced with the decision of whether to rejoin their respective franchises.
In an official statement, CA emphasized that players will have the freedom to make individual decisions regarding their participation in the IPL, without facing repercussions for future editions of the tournament. The board is also working closely with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Australian Government to assess security arrangements and ensure player safety.
Additionally, CA is prioritizing preparations for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, scheduled to begin on June 11 at Lord’s, just eight days after the IPL concludes. Several Australian players involved in the IPL are expected to play a crucial role in the WTC final, making their return to India a complex decision.
While some players, including Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis, remain active in the IPL playoff race, others are weighing their options carefully. Former Australian cricketers and coaches, such as Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, are also considering their return amid logistical challenges.
With 13 group matches remaining, the IPL’s resumption will be closely monitored—not just for cricketing action, but also for how players navigate the delicate balance between duty and safety.
