Will Australian players miss IPL 2026 playoffs for Pakistan ODIs? Know here
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
Australia are set to lock horns with Pakistan in three-match ODI series from May 30.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has entered its final stage, with teams fighting hard for playoff spots. Several overseas stars are playing key roles for their franchises. Among them are many Australian cricketers, including Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Josh Hazlewood.
At the same time, Cricket Australia (CA) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently announced a three-match ODI series in Pakistan. The series is scheduled for May 30, June 2, and June 4. This created confusion because the IPL 2026 final will be played on May 31.
Several Australian players are still expected to remain busy with their IPL teams during the playoffs. Franchises and fans were waiting for clarity regarding player availability. Questions were also raised about whether Australia’s top players would leave India before the IPL season ends.
Australian players allowed to complete IPL commitments despite Pakistan ODIs
Cricket Australia has now cleared the confusion. A CA spokesperson confirmed to Cricbuzz that the players involved in the IPL will stay back in India and finish the tournament before joining national duty.
“The Australian players “will still be in the IPL and will complete their commitments.”
This means players like Cummins, Head, Hazlewood, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, and Mitchell Starc are likely to stay with their IPL teams if they qualify for the playoffs.
The IPL league stage will finish on May 24. By then, many teams will already be eliminated. Some Australian players may become available earlier for Pakistan ODIs if their franchises fail to reach the playoffs. However, franchises like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings are still strong contenders for the title.
Reports also suggest that Cricket Australia has not yet finalized the ODI squad for Pakistan. The board may select a squad that avoids clashes with IPL playoff matches.
Australia last toured Pakistan for an ODI and Test series in 2022. Earlier this year, Pakistan defeated Australia 3-0 in a T20I series in Lahore.
When will IPL 2026 end?
IPL 2026 will end on May 31.
When does Australia tour of Pakistan 2026 begin?
Australia will tour Pakistan for an ODI series from 30 May.
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Ishika Aggarwal is a passionate sports writer and lifelong cricket fan who thrives on capturing the moments that make the game unforgettable, from last-over thrillers to record-breaking centuries. Through match analysis, player profiles, and behind-the-scenes stories, she brings fans closer to the heartbeat of cricket.