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No Hazlewood In RCB? Australians Who Could Miss IPL 2025 Playoffs Due To WTC Final

Debashis Sarangi

Josh Hazlewood in action for RCB [Source: @CricKaushik_/X]Josh Hazlewood in action for RCB [Source: @CricKaushik_/X]

Australia qualified for the World Test Championship final, where they will take on South Africa at Lord's. The high-octane clash will take place on June 11, with the top two sides battling it out for the prestigious WTC mace. 

Meanwhile, according to emerging reports, some Australian and South African players might skip the IPL 2025 playoffs to prepare for the WTC final. If these reports are true, the following star Australian cricketers won't likely be seen in the latter stages of the IPL 2025. 

Mitchell Starc

  • Mitchell Starc's IPL return was nothing short of a fairytale, as he powered Kolkata Knight Riders to the title with his match-winning performances in the playoffs. Delhi Capitals purchased the experienced speedster for a whopping amount of INR 11.75 Crores in the 2025 mega auction. 
  • However, the left-arm pacer holds significant importance for the Australian Test side and might miss the IPL 2025 playoffs if DC qualify for the second round of the competition. It's worth mentioning that Starc recently developed a rib injury, and it won't be surprising if he skips the second half of the tournament to keep himself available for the WTC final. 

Josh Hazlewood

  • Australia's experienced fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is known for his nagging accuracy and ability to generate seam movement. Hazlewood will play a crucial role for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a franchise that spent INR 12.5 Crores for him in the mega auction. 
  • However, Hazlewood is Australia's strike bowler in Tests and will likely leave the RCB camp to prepare for the WTC final. He recently sustained a calf injury and missed some part of the BGT. So, if he skips the IPL 2025 playoffs, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be RCB's lead bowler alongside the likes of Yash Dayal and Lungi Ngidi. 

Pat Cummins

  • Australia's Test captain Pat Cummins leads Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League. The fast-bowling all-rounder is a vital cog in the SRH setup, but he might leave the IPL 2025 early due to international commitments. 
  • The veteran cricketer led Australia to their maiden WTC title, which the Aussies will defend against South Africa this year. So, if he skips the IPL 2025 playoffs, SRH could miss his all-round prowess and leadership acumen in the all-important matches. 

Travis Head

  • Travis Head could be another big name who might miss the IPL 2025 playoffs due to WTC final commitment. The swashbuckling southpaw has established himself as a proven match-winner across formats.
  • Head is an absolute certainty in Australia's WTC final playing XI and could miss some part of the IPL to prepare for the ultimate clash against South Africa at Lord's Stadium. If he skips the playoffs, Ishan Kishan could replace him at the top order and open the batting with Abhishek Sharma.