IPL- Cummins, Head To Fly Straight To Lucknow

IPL 2025 has been filled with surprise and uncertainty primarily in terms of availability of top guns. One of the greatest concerns is about Mitchell Starc who represents Delhi Capitals. Until now, there has not been any official word from Starc regarding his return to India. This uncertainty has kept Delhi Capitals on their toes as they look forward to the rest of the tournament. The absence of Starc is pivotal for the team given that they are already placed at fifth position with 13 points from 11 matches. Their prospects of reaching the play-offs heavily rely on whether the star bowler will be fit for the important matches to come.

Contrary to Pat Cummins the Sunrisers Hyderabad captain has already decided and is already on his way to India. He will be traveling straight to Lucknow where his team would play against Lucknow Super Giants on May 19. Travis Head another influential player who was included in Australia's World Test Championship final team will also be reporting to the Sunrisers in Lucknow on May 18. This confirmation from Cummins and Head brings some relief to their franchise ahead of the crucial matches ahead.

The scenario regarding the availability of Australian players has been very complicated. There has not been any official order from Cricket Australia that forces players to return to India after the temporary halt of IPL because of Indo-Pak tensions. But Cricket Australia has assured support to players who choose to return. Todd Greenberg Cricket Australia CEO said that they are negotiating with the players and most of them are likely to come back soon. This suggests that there is still hope for the franchises who have been waiting for the return of their Australian stars.

The initial hesitation by Starc was due to the concerns that were expressed by his wife Alyssa Healy when she talked of the tumultuous environment at Dharamsala. After the match between DC and PBKS was suspended, Healy recounted her experience of being locked in a room with no proper communication regarding the incident. This experience made Starc reluctant to take a decision in haste. However, sources close to Starc say now that the left-arm pacer could change her mind and return after all. Delhi Capitals are hopeful but they will wait another day for his last word before making other arrangements.

While the fate of Starc is uncertain, other Australian players have been mixed in their reactions. Some players have already reached India while others still keep their franchises hanging. Specifically Punjab Kings are waiting to hear from Marcus Stoinis Aaron Hardie and Jos Inglis as to whether they will return. Punjab Kings have three games remaining and they are one of the favorites to be in the Top 2. Even though two other Australian players Mitch Owen and Xavier Bartlett have already returned to the team the team is holding back pending clarity from the remaining trio.

At the same time Moeen Ali of the Kolkata Knight Riders has opted out of going back to India because of family problems as revealed by his father Munir Ali. Furthermore Rovman Powell will also not be going back since he is undergoing a medical operation. This has reduced KKR's number of international players as they are entering the concluding stage of the tournament. Meanwhile the English cricketers Phil Salt Jacob Bethell and Liam Livingstone have already reported to the RCB camp before their next match against KKR.

The uncertain availability of the players has been problematic for various franchises. Franchises are attempting to make plans while holding out for the last word from influential players. As the tournament becomes more advanced the return of players such as Starc will really influence the fate of their teams in qualifying for the play-offs. With part of the players demonstrating commitment and remaining behind the franchises are left with nothing but hoping for the best as the season becomes decisive.