At a glance:
- Australia tour of Pakistan starts from 30 May
- Australian’s pace attack Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc wants to be part of IPL rather going on tour of Pakistan
- Some Australian players will join the national squad, depending on the teams results
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc are likely to stay in India for the Indian Premier League play-offs rather than join the Australian side for the ODI tour against Pakistan.
Australia’s white-ball tour to Pakistan starts on May 30 and ends on June 4 with a three-match ODI series. On June 9, the team moves to Bangladesh for an ODI and T20I series.
As a result, the Australian management is facing a significant selection dilemma due to the schedule conflict with the IPL. The league stage of the ongoing season comes to an end on May 24, but the playoffs and final run until May 31.
Players participating in the IPL play-offs will miss at least some of the tour preparations and possibly the opening matches since the team is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on May 23.
As per reports, Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc are not anticipated to play in either Bangladesh or Pakistan on the tour, as all three players are currently associated with franchises that still have a chance of reaching the IPL play-offs.
Australia ODI captain Pat Cummins has returned from injury, and he is the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Currently, the team holds first place and is one step closer to qualifying for the playoffs.
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IPL Teams Fighting For Playoff Spot
Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood has been playing expectationally well with RCB and his team is also in the race of getting qualified. After recovering from injury, Starc joined the Delhi Capitals. The comeback of the left-arm pacer has boosted the team’s confidence as Hyderabad fight for a playoff spot.
However, depending on the team’s performance in the league stage, there is a possibility of few Aussie players can be available to join the team for the ODI tour against Pakistan.
Among the contenders are Punjab Kings trio Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, and Ben Dwarshuis, as well as Chennai Super Kings batter Matt Short.
If their IPL teams fail to qualify for the playoffs, they may still be available for the Pakistan series. The group could include Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis from Lucknow Super Giants, as well as Cameron Green, who represents Kolkata Knight Riders.
Australia Set to Recall Key Players for Pakistan White-Ball Series
Australian selectors are expected to bring back players from the Pakistan Super League for the series. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey is also likely to feature in the white-ball squads alongside Adam Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne.
Fast bowler Nathan Ellis missed the IPL season after sustaining an injury while playing for Chennai Super Kings. He has reportedly resumed bowling and selectors could consider him for selection.
The last time Australia toured Pakistan was in 2022 for the ODI series. However, the resulted did not went in the favour of the Aussies as Pakistan won the series by 2-1.
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