IPL 2025 Resumption in Doubt Amid Hazlewood Injury and WTC Final Clash
As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) works behind the scenes to resume the remainder of IPL 2025, uncertainties cloud the availability of key overseas players—especially from Australia and South Africa. The temporary suspension of the tournament on May 9 due to escalating border tensions between India and Pakistan left 13 league games and 4 playoff matches hanging in the balance. Although a ceasefire announced on May 10 has offered a glimmer of hope for the IPL’s continuation, several roadblocks remain.
READ ALSO –
⸻
1. IPL 2025 Suspended After Political Tension
On May 9, the IPL 2025 was suspended for a week after cross-border tension between India and Pakistan escalated significantly. The decision was made as a precautionary measure considering player safety, logistical complications, and government advisories. Just a day later, a ceasefire agreement offered some relief, prompting the BCCI to explore options for resumption.
⸻
2. BCCI Issues Statement on Future Course of Action
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia released an official statement affirming that the board is “closely monitoring” the evolving situation. He stated,
“The BCCI will begin consultations with franchises, broadcasters, sponsors and host state associations. Given the importance of the IPL at this juncture, the final decision will be made only after the approval of the Government of India.”
The final was originally scheduled for May 25 in Kolkata, but this date is now uncertain.
Top 3 Game Changers Kohli, Patidar, Padikkal Star as RCB Beat MI
3. Overseas Players Already Leaving India
Following the suspension, several overseas cricketers and coaching staff began departing India within 24 hours. With only a narrow window left before the World Test Championship (WTC) Final on June 11 at Lord’s, there are doubts about whether all foreign players—especially from Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand—will return.
⸻
4. Josh Hazlewood’s Injury Puts IPL Return in Doubt
One of the major setbacks for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is the uncertainty around Josh Hazlewood. The Australian pacer was already suffering from a shoulder niggle and missed RCB’s game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 3. He was also doubtful for the next fixture against Lucknow Super Giants on May 9 before the suspension.
Even if the IPL had continued uninterrupted, Hazlewood was likely to miss the remaining matches due to injury concerns. Despite this, Cricket Australia (CA) remains optimistic about his availability for the WTC Final, and he is expected to join the Test squad’s conditioning camp in the UK in early June.
5. Australia’s Star Trio Also Under Consideration
Australia’s Test stars Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Travis Head are also in a dilemma regarding their return. While Cummins and Head represent Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)—a team already out of playoff contention—Starc’s Delhi Capitals (DC) are still fighting for a playoff berth.
However, with the WTC Final around the corner, the decision to prioritize national duty over IPL commitments is being weighed carefully. Starc was last seen traveling from Dharamsala to Delhi after the May 8 match between Punjab Kings and DC was abandoned mid-way.
⸻
6. South African Players Await CSA Verdict
The participation of South African cricketers hangs in the balance. According to reports, Cricket South Africa (CSA) had issued NOCs (No Objection Certificates) to its players only until May 25. A CSA board meeting scheduled for Sunday is expected to decide their future in IPL 2025.
Safety remains a non-negotiable priority for the board. Moreover, South Africa is set to play a warm-up match against Zimbabwe in the first week of June ahead of the WTC Final, adding another scheduling conflict.
⸻
7. New Zealand Players Return Home Except Two
Nearly all New Zealand cricketers have returned home, except for Mitchell Santner and Bevon Jacobs of the Mumbai Indians, who agreed to stay back following a special request. According to Health Mills, the chief of the New Zealand Cricket Players Association, Santner and Jacobs are the only Kiwi players still in India.
Top 3 Game Changers Kohli, Patidar, Padikkal Star as RCB Beat MI
8. Franchise Dilemma: To Wait or Not?
IPL franchises now face tough decisions. With key foreign players potentially unavailable, teams like Delhi Capitals, RCB, and Rajasthan Royals may need to revise their strategies if the IPL resumes without the full-strength squads.
Franchises must also consider travel logistics, quarantine rules (if applicable), and player readiness. The BCCI’s decision in the next few days will be crucial in shaping their plans.
⸻
9. WTC Final Looms Over IPL’s Fate
The ICC World Test Championship Final, scheduled from June 11 at Lord’s, features Australia and South Africa, further complicating matters. National boards are likely to prioritize Test cricket over the IPL, particularly since the WTC Final is considered the “Test World Cup” and carries immense prestige.
⸻
10. What’s Next? BCCI’s Crucial Week Ahead
The next seven days are critical for the IPL. The BCCI will begin discussions with broadcasters like Star Sports, sponsors, and franchise owners to assess feasibility. The availability of players and clearance from the Indian government will be key factors in determining whether IPL 2025 can resume and conclude successfully.
If the league does not resume soon, the BCCI may have to consider canceling the remaining matches or exploring a shortened playoff-only format, though this could hurt commercial interests and fan expectations.
⸻
Conclusion: IPL or WTC – The Tug of Priorities
The suspension of IPL 2025 at such a crucial juncture has left fans, franchises, and players in limbo. With injuries, international duties, and political tensions all playing a part, the BCCI faces one of its most complicated decision-making periods in IPL history. Josh Hazlewood’s situation is just a glimpse into the broader uncertainty surrounding overseas player participation.
Whether the IPL resumes or not, the coming week will be pivotal—not just for Indian cricket, but for the global cricket calendar as well.
