Australian Cricketers Doubt IPL 2025 Return Amid India-Pakistan Conflict and Security Risks
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- May 12, 2025
- 11:07 am
- 37
- Sports
Australian players in IPL 2025 may not return to India after the league was suspended due to rising tensions with Pakistan. The sudden pause came after a game in Dharamsala was stopped mid-match over security threats. This has left many overseas players nervous, especially the Australians.
All Australian cricketers have made it home safely. But several are unsure about going back if the tournament restarts. Reports from The Age and AAP show that safety fears and tight travel schedules are major concerns. Players also fear they might face pressure if they choose not to return.
Cricket Australia has stepped in to help. It says players can make their own choices and won’t be punished in future IPL editions. Still, top names like Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Ellis remain worried. They also need to prepare for the World Test Championship final in June.
The IPL was put on hold after air raid sirens ended the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala. It followed India’s airstrike, which raised fears of Pakistan’s response. Even though a ceasefire was later announced, attacks continued in border towns like Kashmir. This has made Australian players in IPL 2025 think twice about returning.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said the board is watching the situation closely. Talks are ongoing with the government and team owners. One plan is to move the remaining matches to safer cities in southern India. These could include Chennai, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad. If needed, the tournament might shift overseas to the UAE, South Africa, or even England.
Teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings are already out of finals contention. Australians playing for these sides have only one or two games left. This makes the decision even harder for players like Cummins and Head.
The Pakistan Super League is also on hold. Australian players involved there have also flown back home. PSL plans to shift to the UAE were dropped due to security issues. Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Ashton Turner, and Mitch Owen narrowly escaped a missile strike by leaving Islamabad just hours before the attack.
There are still 12 regular matches and four finals games left in the IPL. But it’s unclear if they will go ahead. Right now, many Australian players in IPL 2025 are not sure if returning is worth the risk.
Their concerns are real. With ongoing threats, tight schedules, and family worries, it’s no surprise that Australian players in IPL 2025 are putting safety first.
