Australian players to miss IPL 2027? Head coach Andrew McDonald provides update

New Delhi: Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has provided an update on the participation of the team’s Test players in the amid a packed schedule, with the management of fast bowlers particularly crucial ahead of the Ashes.

The Aussies will begin a run of 20 Test matches and 14 white-ball games in 12 months on Thursday when they take on Bangladesh in Darwin and Mackay. The period includes six ODI games in Zimbabwe and South Africa, three Tests against South Africa, eight white-ball matches at home against England, and four Tests against New Zealand at home.

Australia will then tour India for a five-match Test series, followed by a one-off 150th anniversary home Test against England in March and then the Ashes series in June and July. A World Test Championship (WTC) final could also be added to the schedule. There might also be a home white-ball series against New Zealand in late August leading into the in October and November.

‘IPL is part of our management plan for a lot of our players’

Australia’s five first-choice Test and ODI players, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Green and Travis Head, are currently on IPL lists, although that may change after the retention deadline and the auction later this year. ODI wicketkeeper and Test backup Josh Inglis is also part of LSG’s current squad.

“I know people will start talking about the IPL and filling that time and what does that look like. I’ve said this before, the IPL is part of our management plan for a lot of our players, and to expose our best players in what I believe is the best competition in terms of T20 cricket has its performance benefits as well. You’ve just got to balance that out,” McDonald told Cricinfo.

There was tension in both India and Australia over the availability of these players for the IPL. Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad were among the franchises left frustrated last season when Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins arrived late to the tournament while managing various injury problems under Cricket Australia’s guidance.