Concerns are growing over the possible absence of several key players from Australia and South Africa during the IPL 2025 play-offs with ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final. which will begin on June 11, players from both nations should prioritize international commitments over participating in the knockout stages of the IPL.
Key players who will miss the IPL playoffs
Australian stars Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head They are expected to withdraw from the IPL playoffs to prepare for the WTC final against South Africa at Lord’s. Cummins and Head represent Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)Starc will play for Delhi Capitals (DC) and Hazlewood is with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Their absence could significantly affect their teams as they aim for a strong finish to the tournament.
Similarly, South African players including Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs they are also expected to miss crucial matches in the IPL as they focus on the WTC finals. Rabada, Jansen and Stubbs are engaged with various franchises in the IPL but will prioritize their national duties as the knockouts approach.
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Implications for IPL teams
The potential retirement of these prominent players presents a significant challenge for their franchises. For example, SRH would not only lose their captain Cummins, but also a key batsman in Head, which could seriously weaken their chances of advancing in the tournament. Similarly, DC would miss Starc’s bowling prowess if they qualify for the playoffs.
The IPL playoffs are set to take place just a few weeks before the WTC finals, creating a tight timeline for players to prepare for such a high-stakes event. The IPL has historically been a platform for players to showcase their skills, but with international commitments looming, teams may have to adjust their strategies accordingly.
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