Veteran Australian fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins will miss the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, which is scheduled to begin on March 28. Meanwhile, several Australian players are evaluating their participation in the upcoming Pakistan Super League due to security concerns.
Cricket Australia (CA) is managing Cummins and Hazlewood after they missed the recent T20 World Cup 2026 and Ashes series. Selector Tony Dodemade confirmed that he did not prioritize franchise cricket. The two bowlers played just one Test match between them during the recent domestic summer.
Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins continue recovery ahead of IPL 2026
According to Code Sports, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are continuing their rehabilitation programme. Hazlewood is recovering from ongoing hamstring and Achilles tendon problems.
The right-arm fast bowler is likely to miss at least the first two matches for the defending champions. He has not played competitive cricket since the Sheffield Shield loss for New South Wales against Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground almost five months ago.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) bought him for ₹12.5 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. He took 22 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 17.54 and an economy rate of 8.77. His performance helped the franchise win its first title by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final.
Pat Cummins unavailable for Sunrisers Hyderabad opener
Pat Cummins is recovering from a back injury and will miss at least the opening match against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28. With his return date uncertain, Ishan Kishan could lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in the early part of the tournament.
The fast bowler has played 72 IPL matches and taken 79 wickets. He has taken 34 wickets in 30 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the last two seasons. Without Cummins and Hazlewood during the T20 World Cup, Australia suffered group-stage defeats against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
Cricket Australia is managing both the bowlers carefully ahead of the busy international schedule. The team is set to play 26 Test matches and one ODI World Cup in the next 18 months. Their international calendar will begin with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh in August.
Australian players monitor Pakistan Super League security
Australian players and coaches are closely monitoring the security situation related to Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan Super League will start two days before the Indian Premier League.
Players like Steve Smith, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tim Paine and Jason Gillespie are ready to participate in the tournament. Officials have briefed them about regional flight disruptions and ongoing tension on the border.
A scheduled match between Peshawar and Rawalpindi on 28 March has raised concerns, as the Australian government currently classifies Peshawar as a no-travel zone. Aaron Hardie is the only Australian player not included in those teams.
Some Australian players are expected to reach Pakistan later this week. To address security concerns, the Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly discussed using a private jet to evacuate international players if the situation worsens.
Also read: Liam Livingstone exposes Rob, Brendon McCullum on communication breakdown and cold treatment