Cricket Australia to defend any players concerned about returning to India for IPL tournament

“The BCCI suspended the IPL yesterday for a period of seven days, and, today, we are on the second day with five more days left,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told Cricbuzz overnight.

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“The BCCI is closely monitoring the evolving situation and developments, and will take a call on IPL resumption after consulting all stakeholders of IPL and the concerned government authorities.

“In the next 48 hours, we will begin consultations with the franchises, broadcasters, sponsors and the state associations slated to host the remaining matches before crystallising a decision on the league’s resumption.

“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.”

Many of Australia’s top players landed back on home soil on Sunday, including Mitchell Starc, who did not speak to reporters at Sydney Airport.

“Everyone is fine,” Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis told Nine News after landing.

While reported plans for a resumption feature the movement of remaining games to southern Indian cities like Chennai and Bengaluru, security concerns remain prevalent among some players.

Others may be more willing to return, but there is also the issue of a tight cricket calendar.

Test players such as Travis Head, Starc, captain Pat Cummins and fellow fast bowler Josh Hazlewood are meant to spend a few days at home before flying to the UK ahead of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s against South Africa. That match will be immediately followed by a three-Test tour of the West Indies.

It has been suggested that the IPL’s resumption plans will not push the tournament any later than its current May 24 finish date. If it did so, all players would require fresh “no objection” certificates from CA in order to return.

Australian players involved in the Pakistan Super League – including those who took a charter flight to Dubai from an airbase that was attacked a few hours later – were also in transit home on Sunday.

There is a sense of sadness among players and officials about the episode, which has not only disrupted the closing stages of both the IPL and the Pakistan Super League but also shattered previously held perceptions of safety and certainty.

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Pakistan cricket authorities, in particular, have worked over many years to get overseas cricketers back to their country, a trend that started with Test tours by South Africa and Australia in 2021 and 2022.

But the IPL has also suffered a blow to its prestige and trust among overseas players, who have been left to feel they were once again caught in the middle of a conflict situation.

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