Even if the IPL returns to India, many Australian cricketers are not ready to come back. Concerns about safety, travel, and personal reasons are making them hesitant. This could affect team line-ups and tournament excitement in the future.
IPL May Resume, But Australians Aren’t Ready to Return
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 may start again soon after the India-Pakistan ceasefire, but there is one big problem many Australian players don’t want to come back. Their safety concerns are making headlines across the cricket world.
India-Pakistan Ceasefire Brings Hope for IPL Restart
Recently, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire with help from US President Donald Trump. This positive news gave the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) a chance to plan the restart of the postponed IPL. If everything goes smoothly, the rest of the matches might begin this Friday or Saturday.
The IPL was stopped because of rising tension and military actions between India and Pakistan. Many foreign players, including Australians, quickly left India when the fighting started.
Australian Stars Already Back Home
According to the Australian news agency AAP, most of the 15 Australian players in the IPL do not want to return. These players include big names like Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, and Travis Head. Some, like Maxwell, left early due to injury. Others left with their families after hearing about missile and drone attacks.
Here is a list of the 15 Australian players who were in India for IPL 2025:
- Delhi Capitals: Mitchell Starc, Jake Fraser-McGurk
- RCB: Josh Hazlewood, Tim David
- Punjab Kings: Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardy, Xavier Bartlett
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Adam Zampa
- KKR: Spencer Johnson
- LSG: Mitchell Marsh
- CSK: Nathan Ellis
Players were seen at airports leaving India. Starc was spotted with his wife Alyssa Healy at Sydney airport, while Cummins and Head also flew back with their families. Hazlewood, who is injured, has returned home and is unlikely to come back even if he recovers soon.
Coaches Also Reluctant to Return
It’s not just the players. Australian coaches are also unsure about coming back to India. AAP reports that several members of the coaching staff don’t feel safe returning.
- Ricky Ponting, head coach of Punjab Kings
- Brad Haddin and James Hopes, assistant coaches
- Justin Langer, head coach of LSG
- Michael Hussey, CSK batting coach
Langer and Hussey have already left India, while Ponting, Haddin, and Hopes are still there, possibly reconsidering their next steps.
Scheduling Conflicts with WTC Final
The IPL was supposed to end on May 25, but now it may stretch until June 1. This creates a clash with Australia’s preparations for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, which begins on June 11 at Lord’s, London.
Cricket Australia has already said they won’t extend leave for players like Starc, Cummins, Head, or Hazlewood. The Australian Test team, led by Cummins, will begin preparing in early June. As a result, even players whose IPL teams are still active (like Cummins and Head with Sunrisers Hyderabad) are skipping the last few matches.
Players like Josh Inglis and Mitchell Marsh may also join the Test squad. If selected, they too will have to leave IPL behind.
Some May Still Return, Others Might Not Get Paid
A few Australian players who are not part of the WTC plans—like Stoinis, Zampa, Bartlett, and Tim David—might consider returning to India if they feel safe enough. But that decision is still unclear.
There’s another big question—will players get full payment even if they don’t finish the season? Franchise owners are reportedly discussing this issue. If players leave early or choose not to return, their salaries may be reduced. This financial issue adds more tension to an already complex situation.
Final Thoughts
Although the IPL is expected to restart soon, many Australian cricketers and coaches are hesitant to come back due to safety concerns and scheduling conflicts. With national duty calling and personal safety at risk, the IPL may go on—but possibly without its Australian stars.