IPL 2026: Star Aussie pacers set to miss start of the IPL, according to reports

Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, three of Australia's top pacers, are expected to miss the start of the Indian Premier League season later this month, giving their respective teams an early setback.

Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood will miss at least the beginning of the IPL, and Nathan Ellis is expected to be eliminated from the competition entirely, according to a report on cricket.com.au. According to the article, Cricket Australia (CA) is being cautious with its pacers in preparation for a hectic schedule that starts in August and consists of 21 Test matches over a 12-month span.

Australia will tour South Africa, India and England before defending the ODI World Cup title in 2027.

"The trio's availability will depend on progress in their return to play protocols over the next few weeks," the report said.

Hazlewood missed the entire Ashes series because of hamstring and Achilles problems, and Test skipper Cummins only played in one Test last summer because to a back stress injury. The duo also missed the T20 World Cup. Starc played in all five test matches, but has retired from T20 cricket.

Australia selector Tony Dodemaide had said that Cummins and Hazlewood's availability for the IPL was purely a "timing issue".

"If it was in reverse, the IPL was first and the World Cup was second, then they'd be missing the IPL to play in the World Cup. It's not going to be frustrating for us at all. We know their commitment to want to play and succeed for Australia," said Dodemaide.

Cummins is the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Starc plays for Delhi Capitals and Hazlewood for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Hazlewood played a big role in RCB's maiden title win last year