Cricket Australia is set to allow its players to finish their Indian Premier League commitments for the IPL 2026 season, even though the tournament’s playoffs window overlaps with Australia’s upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan. Australia’s ODI tour is scheduled to run from May 30 to June 4, but the clash with the IPL end-game has not been expected to disrupt the participation of key names such as Pat Cummins, Travis Head and Tim David. A Cricket Australia spokesperson has indicated that the players “will still be in the IPL and will complete their commitments,” signalling no early release for the series.
With IPL 2026 already underway, 15 Australian cricketers are featuring in the tournament. Among the franchises, Punjab Kings—coached by Ricky Ponting—have the highest number of Australians in their squad, with five players representing the team.
The Australian contingent is due to travel to Pakistan on May 23, which is one day before the IPL 2026 league stage concludes. The playoffs are set to begin on May 26, and the season final is scheduled for May 31.
Pakistan will host Australia for a three-match ODI series later this month, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Thursday. Cricket Australia’s approach, however, means several prominent members of the Australian ODI group will not make the trip immediately, as they will remain available for the IPL playoffs and final.
The tour forms part of Australia’s second half of a white-ball itinerary to Pakistan. That schedule began earlier in the year with a three-match T20 series in January and early February ahead of the T20 World Cup. Pakistan won that T20 contest 3-0.
Australia will arrive in Pakistan on May 23. The first ODI is planned for Rawalpindi on May 30, while Lahore will host the remaining two matches on June 2 and June 4.
For Australia, the series represents their first bilateral ODI visit to Pakistan in four years, with their last 50-over engagement in the country coming in 2022.
Last year, Australia had been in Pakistan for Champions Trophy fixtures, including a win over England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
