Australia stars say no to Pakistan ODI tour, prefer to stay back in IPL
Australia are expected to tour Pakistan and Bangladesh without Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc as the trio prioritise IPL play-off commitments with their franchises.
Australia’s upcoming ODI tour of Pakistan is expected to take place without several of the team’s biggest stars, with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc likely to remain in India for the Indian Premier League play-offs instead of joining the national squad.
Australia’s white-ball tour of Pakistan begins with a three-match ODI series from May 30 to June 4 before the squad travels to Bangladesh for an ODI and T20I series starting June 9. However, the scheduling clash with the IPL has created a major selection headache for the Australian management.
The IPL league stage concludes on May 24, while the play-offs and final run until May 31 in Ahmedabad. Australia’s touring squad is expected to arrive in Pakistan on May 23, meaning players involved in the IPL play-offs would miss at least part of the tour preparations and potentially the opening fixtures as well.
According to reports from Cricket.com.au, Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc are not expected to feature in either the Pakistan or Bangladesh leg of the tour. All three players are currently attached to franchises still in contention for the IPL play-offs.
Cummins leads the Sunrisers Hyderabad after returning from injury, while Hazlewood has been one of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s standout performers with the ball. Starc, also rejoined the Delhi Capitals after recovering from injury and has quickly become a crucial figure in their bowling attack.
Several other Australian players involved in the IPL could still join the national side depending on how their teams finish the league phase. Punjab Kings trio Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis are among the names in contention, alongside Chennai Super Kings batter Matt Short.
Players whose IPL teams fail to qualify for the playoffs may be available in time for the Pakistan series. That group could include Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis from Lucknow Super Giants, as well as Cameron Green, who is representing Kolkata Knight Riders this season.
Australia are also expected to have players returning from the Pakistan Super League. Adam Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne are likely to be included in the squad, while wicketkeeper Alex Carey is also expected to feature in the white-ball assignments.
Fast bowler Nathan Ellis, who was ruled out of the IPL season with injury during his stint with Chennai Super Kings, has reportedly resumed bowling and could also come into selection calculations.
Australia last toured Pakistan for an ODI series in 2022, when the hosts secured a 2-1 series victory.
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Australia’s upcoming ODI tour of Pakistan is expected to take place without several of the team’s biggest stars, with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc likely to remain in India for the Indian Premier League play-offs instead of joining the national squad.
Australia’s white-ball tour of Pakistan begins with a three-match ODI series from May 30 to June 4 before the squad travels to Bangladesh for an ODI and T20I series starting June 9. However, the scheduling clash with the IPL has created a major selection headache for the Australian management.
The IPL league stage concludes on May 24, while the play-offs and final run until May 31 in Ahmedabad. Australia’s touring squad is expected to arrive in Pakistan on May 23, meaning players involved in the IPL play-offs would miss at least part of the tour preparations and potentially the opening fixtures as well.
According to reports from Cricket.com.au, Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc are not expected to feature in either the Pakistan or Bangladesh leg of the tour. All three players are currently attached to franchises still in contention for the IPL play-offs.
Cummins leads the Sunrisers Hyderabad after returning from injury, while Hazlewood has been one of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s standout performers with the ball. Starc, also rejoined the Delhi Capitals after recovering from injury and has quickly become a crucial figure in their bowling attack.
Several other Australian players involved in the IPL could still join the national side depending on how their teams finish the league phase. Punjab Kings trio Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis are among the names in contention, alongside Chennai Super Kings batter Matt Short.
Players whose IPL teams fail to qualify for the playoffs may be available in time for the Pakistan series. That group could include Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis from Lucknow Super Giants, as well as Cameron Green, who is representing Kolkata Knight Riders this season.
Australia are also expected to have players returning from the Pakistan Super League. Adam Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne are likely to be included in the squad, while wicketkeeper Alex Carey is also expected to feature in the white-ball assignments.
Fast bowler Nathan Ellis, who was ruled out of the IPL season with injury during his stint with Chennai Super Kings, has reportedly resumed bowling and could also come into selection calculations.
Australia last toured Pakistan for an ODI series in 2022, when the hosts secured a 2-1 series victory.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
