With the IPL 2025’s suspension due to cross-border tensions, there are concerns over the return of several Australia and South Africa players, including Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) Josh Hazlewood. The potential resumption of the tournament, following the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, raises questions about Hazlewood’s participation, given the proximity of the World Test Championship (WTC) final scheduled to begin on June 11 at Lord’s.
Hazlewood had been sidelined earlier due to a shoulder injury, ruling him out of RCB’s home game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 3. He was also doubtful for RCB’s next match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) before the suspension of the IPL. Even if the tournament had not been interrupted, Hazlewood might have missed the remainder of the season.
Hazlewood had previously mentioned that he was undergoing a rehabilitation program during IPL 2025, having recovered from a calf injury and a side strain that had kept him out of previous international fixtures. Despite this, Cricket Australia (CA) is not overly concerned about his injury and is expected to include him in the Test squad for the conditioning camp in the UK ahead of the WTC final.
With the IPL’s suspension, several overseas players have already returned to their home countries, creating challenges for teams to get them back if the tournament resumes. Australian players, including Test captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Travis Head, are also considering their return to India in light of the WTC final.
The situation is similarly uncertain for South African players. The decision on whether they will return for the IPL’s resumption will be made at a Cricket South Africa board meeting. The board has ensured that player safety remains a priority, and NOCs (No Objection Certificates) for players had been issued until May 25.
As IPL 2025 faces these complications, the BCCI continues to monitor the situation and will consult stakeholders before finalizing the restart date for the tournament.
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