The availability of international stars is a big concern as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 prepares to begin on May 17 after being temporarily suspended due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Cricket Australia (CA) has stated that it will not order its players to return, letting each person choose whether or not to continue playing in the competition.

After air-raid sirens disrupted the Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala on May 9, the IPL was suspended. Many foreign players and personnel, including a number of Australian internationals, took flights home out of fear for their safety as tensions along the India-Pakistan border escalated. Though BCCI carefully conferred with government officials and security agencies before securing the resume dates, the proclamation of a ceasefire between the two countries has resulted in the tournament’s restart.

“Cricket Australia will assist players in making their own decisions regarding their return to India. For players who decide to play in the remaining IPL games, team management will discuss the preparation implications for the World Test Championship final. In an official statement, a spokeswoman stated, “We are keeping in touch with the Australian Government and BCCI regarding security arrangements and safety.”

IPL 2025 will resume with a matchup between RCB and KKR.

In addition to playing for IPL teams, players like Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Josh Inglis are also included in Australia’s WTC final roster. Hazlewood, who plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has been recovering from a shoulder ailment and may miss the IPL in order to concentrate on the Lord’s Test match. Meanwhile, the return of players like Starc and Inglis would help playoff-contending teams like the Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings.

The IPL also features Australian pundits and coaches including Mel Jones, Brad Haddin, Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden, and Justin Langer. According to reports, Ponting and Haddin had stayed in India during the suspension.

The players have the last say in security measures, even though CA is closely collaborating with the Australian government and the BCCI to oversee them. Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play the Kolkata Knight Riders in Bengaluru when the league resumes.