Concerns are growing over the possible absence of several key players from Australia and South Africa during the IPL 2025 playoffs. With the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final Scheduled to begin on June 11, players from both nations will prioritize international commitments over their participation 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 Sunrise Hyderabad (SRH)Starc will play for Delhi Capitals (DC) and Hazlewood is with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Their absence could significantly affect their respective teams, who aspire to finish the tournament well.
Similarly, South African players, including Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs It is also anticipated that they will miss crucial matches in the IPL as they shift their focus towards the WTC final. Rabada, Jansen and Stubbs are committed to various franchises in the IPL but will prioritize their domestic duties as the knockouts approach.
Also READ: 7 South African players who participated in IPL 2025 but missed out on Champions Trophy 2025 squad
Implications for IPL teams
The possible retirement of these prominent players poses 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 severely weaken their chances of advancing in the tournament. Similarly, DC would miss out on Starc’s bowling prowess if they qualify for the playoffs.
The IPL playoffs are scheduled to take place just weeks before the WTC final, creating a tight schedule for players who need to prepare for such a high-stakes match. Historically, the IPL has been a platform for players to showcase their skills, but with international commitments looming, teams may have to adjust their strategies accordingly.