Cricket Australia Supports Players' Choice On IPL Return Amid WTC Clash
Cricket Australia has announced support for players choosing to return to the IPL despite its clash with WTC final preparations. They will assist in managing the implications of this decision as the IPL resumes on May 17, ending just before the WTC final on June 11. Coaches remain divided between India and home due to regional tensions.
Cricket Australia on May 13, 2025 (Tuesday), released a statement saying that they will be supporting their players' 'individual decisions' on returning to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, as the tournament is clashing with preparations for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on May 12, 2025 (Monday), released the schedule for the remainder of the IPL season, which will be played across six venues starting on May 17, with the final being shifted to June 3.
This development has left players in tension in both countries, Australia and South Africa, as the WTC final is near, set to begin on June 11 at Lord's.
Cricket Australia, in a statement, said,
"Following the announcement that the IPL will resume on Saturday, Cricket Australia will support players in their individual decisions whether to return to India or not."
"Team management will work through preparation implications for the World Test Championship final for those players who choose to play in the remaining IPL matches."
The revised schedule of IPL 2025 will begin on May 17; the tournament will end eight days before the WTC final, where Australia will be clashing against South Africa.
"We are maintaining communication with the Australian government and BCCI around security arrangements and security."
Coaches like Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin remain in India, while other coaches, Justin Langer and Mike Hussey, have returned to their home amid the rising conflict between India and Pakistan.