Josh Hazlewood's injury clouds RCB's IPL 2025 ambitions

Josh Hazlewood's participation in the remainder of IPL 2025 is uncertain, as the Australian fast bowler is reportedly recovering from a shoulder injury that could see him protected by Cricket Australia ahead of the World Test Championship final starting June 11.  

In IPL 2025, Hazlewood has been a key bowler for Royal Challengers Bangalore. This season he has taken 18 wickets and has performed well for the team. However, due to injury, Hazlewood did not play RCB's last match before the suspension of the IPL season, due to which he may have to be ruled out of the tournament if the IPL returns in the last two weeks of May.  

According to a report, Hazlewood has suffered a shoulder injury, due to which he could not play the match against Chennai. Apart from this, he is also recovering from a calf injury and side strain during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, due to which he was ruled out of Australia's Champions Trophy campaign. However, the report also states that Hazlewood is expected to return to the WTC final against South Africa at Lord's, as this match is Cricket Australia's priority.  

According to several reports, the IPL could be extended till May 30, which is five days ahead of the original date set for the 2025 final. This has increased the challenge for foreign cricket boards , with a combination of upcoming international matches and security concerns creating problems for the governing bodies.

Following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, it was decided to postpone IPL 20225 for a week, after which most of the foreign players were sent back to their country. The IPL has not yet released any plans for the remainder of the 2025 season but is expected to announce a new schedule in the coming days.