“Pat Cummins and Travis Head, two key players for Sunrisers Hyderabad, have committed to playing the team’s final two matches before returning home.”
Aussie Stars Return as IPL 2025 Resumes Post-Ceasefire
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to resume on Saturday, May 17, following a temporary suspension due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. A ceasefire agreement has now paved the way for the tournament’s return, with the final rescheduled to June 3—just eight days before Australia faces South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s.
Amid the resumption, several Australian cricketers have committed to rejoining their IPL franchises. Pat Cummins and Travis Head, both integral to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Australia’s WTC squad, have agreed to complete SRH’s final two matches—against Lucknow Super Giants on May 19 and Kolkata Knight Riders on May 25—before heading home. SRH have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
While Josh Hazlewood (RCB) is nursing a shoulder niggle and may miss the rest of the season, fellow pacer Mitchell Starc has opted out entirely. Reports suggest Starc was unsettled by logistical chaos following a match suspension in Dharamsala. His team, Delhi Capitals, currently fifth in the standings, have yet to issue an official comment.
Other Australians returning include:
- Josh Inglis (PBKS)
- Xavier Bartlett and Mitch Owen (PBKS)
- Tim David (RCB)
In contrast, players like Jake Fraser-McGurk are unlikely to return.
Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals Bolstered by Overseas Returnees
Gujarat Titans will welcome back South African pace duo Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee, strengthening their playoff push. Rabada remains in India, while Coetzee is expected to arrive by May 14.
Rajasthan Royals will also see the return of former England captain Jos Buttler, bolstering their top order ahead of crucial matches.
West Indies Make Adjustments Amid IPL Clash
The IPL rescheduling has impacted West Indies’ upcoming tour of Ireland and England, with Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer missing the Ireland leg. Shamar Joseph retains his spot, while John Campbell has been named as Rutherford’s replacement.
Here’s a table of Australian cricketers who are confirmed to return to the IPL 2025 upon its resumption on May 17, along with their respective franchises:
| Player Name | IPL Franchise | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pat Cummins | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | Returning for final 2 matches |
| Travis Head | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | Returning for final 2 matches |
| Josh Inglis | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | Returning |
| Xavier Bartlett | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | Already rejoined |
| Mitch Owen | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | Already rejoined |
| Tim David | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | Rejoined squad |
| Jos Buttler (ENG) | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | Rejoining soon (Not Aussie but noted) |
Not Returning / Unconfirmed:
| Player Name | IPL Franchise | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Starc | Delhi Capitals (DC) | Opted out |
| Josh Hazlewood | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | Doubtful due to shoulder niggle |
| Jake Fraser-McGurk | Delhi Capitals (DC) | Unlikely to return |
| Glenn Maxwell | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | Left earlier due to injury |
