Cricket Australia has moved to ease concerns over scheduling clashes between the Indian Premier League and Australia’s next bilateral assignment in Pakistan, confirming that its players will be able to finish their IPL commitments without disruption. The clarification comes after CA and the Pakistan Cricket Board jointly announced a three-match ODI series, with dates that overlap with the closing stages of the tournament.
Key takeaways
- Cricket Australia says its national players will remain in the IPL and complete their tournament commitments.
- Australia’s ODI series in Pakistan is scheduled for May 30, June 2 and June 4.
- Players are expected to arrive in Islamabad on May 23, a window that falls during the IPL’s business end.
- About a dozen Australians are currently involved in the IPL, including Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh.
- Cricket Australia has not yet finalised the ODI squad, leaving room for selection to avoid IPL conflicts.
- The ODI tour will be Australia’s first visit to Pakistan since March/April 2022.
IPL commitments protected despite overlapping ODI tour window
A Cricket Australia spokesperson has confirmed to a cricket media outlet that the Australian players “will still be in the IPL and will complete their commitments.” The statement directly addresses the overlap created by Australia’s newly announced ODI schedule in Pakistan, which begins just after the IPL reaches its decisive phase.
Roughly a dozen Australians are presently featuring across the IPL franchises. Among them is Pat Cummins, a regular captain for Australia in the ODI format, along with Mitchell Marsh, who previously filled in during Cummins’ injury layoff. Other Australians currently in the competition include Travis Head, Tim David, Josh Hazlewood, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc and Matthew Short.
Series dates set for late May and early June
Cricket Australia’s reassurance follows the joint confirmation of a three-match ODI series on Thursday, May 7. The contests are set to take place on May 30, June 2 and June 4. According to the schedule, the Australian contingent is due to land in Islamabad on May 23, which overlaps with the latter portion of the IPL that ends on May 31.
The league phase of the IPL is expected to conclude on May 24. By then, many players may be released from IPL duties because six of the ten teams would have been knocked out of playoff contention. However, players such as Cummins, Head, David, Hazlewood, Bartlett and Connolly—along with others—could still be required to remain available if their respective sides progress into the playoffs.
To gauge the impact on franchises with players in Australia’s plans, enquiries were made with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings, ranked first and second in the points standings at this stage of the tournament. Officials from both teams indicated that all their players, including the Australians, will honour their contracts in full and will not depart partway through the season.
Squad selection yet to be decided
Cricket Australia is still to announce the squad for the Pakistan ODI assignment. There is also a possibility that the composition of the touring group will be handled in a manner that avoids any direct clash with the players’ IPL obligations.
For context, the upcoming bilateral ODI tour will represent Australia’s first series in Pakistan since March/April 2022. Earlier in 2024, the team visited Pakistan for a three-match T20I series in January/February, with the home side winning the contest 3-0 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
