Follow UsIf and when the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 restarts, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) might have to play their remaining games, including the playoffs, without their leading wicket-taker Josh Hazlewood, reported ESPNCricinfo.
The Australian paceman, who claimed 18 wickets in 10 games at an average of 17.27, missed RCB’s last fixture against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) due to a shoulder niggle. Hazlewood was set to miss RCB's next match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as well before the tournament was suspended due to tensions at the India-Pakistan borders.
After having recently returned to full fitness from a calf injury and side strain, Australia would want Hazlewood to be completely fit for the World Test Championship final against South Africa, starting June 11 at Lord’s. According to ESPNCricinfo, Hazlewood would have missed RCB’s remaining games in the IPL 2025 if the tournament hadn’t been suspended.
Earlier today, the Indian Express reported that the BCCI is planning to have the IPL 2025 final on May 30. The final was earlier scheduled to happen on May 25. The BCCI has already informed the franchises to assemble their players by May 13 (Tuesday) ahead of the restart of the 2025 season.
It is understood that many players, including the overseas ones, returned home after the IPL was suspended on May 9 (Friday) amid the escalating tensions at the India-Pakistan borders. However, the franchises have been told to make arrangements for such players to be brought back.
17 more matches are to be played, including the PBKS vs Delhi Capitals (DC) clash, which was suspended after just 10.1 overs. The BCCI is also planning to add more double-headers to end the tournament on time. According to multiple reports, IPL 2025 is expected to resume on May 15 or 16.
"The BCCI is closely monitoring the evolving situation and developments, and will take a call on IPL resumption after consulting all stakeholders and the concerned government authorities," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said.
"In the next days, we will begin consultations with the franchises, broadcasters, sponsors and state associations slated to host the remaining matches... Given the importance of IPL at this juncture, it will also be prudent and necessary to take the nod of the government of India before finalising the time for its restart. BCCI will duly announce the date of IPL restart once the whole process is over in due course of time."
Australia’s Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Travis Head will also have to take a call on whether they will return for the IPL 2025 or go to England for the WTC final. Cummins and Head are part of SRH, who have already been ruled out of the race for the playoffs, while Starc’s DC are very much in contention.
Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa will take a call on the participation of South Africa's players for the remainder of the IPL on May 11.