Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is preparing to return to the Indian Premier League despite managing a minor shoulder injury, as Test teammate Mitchell Starc opts out of the remainder of the tournament following heightened tensions.
Hazlewood is expected to rejoin Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the IPL play-offs, which are set to begin on May 29.
The tournament was suspended last Friday due to security concerns stemming from escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Following a ceasefire agreement between the two countries, the IPL is scheduled to resume on Saturday (Sunday morning AEST).
RCB are second on the ladder with three regular season matches remaining, the first of which begins on Saturday local time (Sunday morning AEST).
However, according to informed sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, Hazlewood is poised to return to India to play with RCB.
The 34-year-old will spend next week completing rehabilitation in Brisbane on his shoulder before travelling to India for the play-offs.
Josh Hazlewood is set to return to play in India.Credit: Getty Images
It was widely expected Hazlewood would prioritise rest before Australia’s World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s starting on June 11. However, his shoulder issue is not considered serious enough to rule him out of the WTC decider.
Meanwhile, Starc has informed the Delhi Capitals he will not be returning for the remainder of the tournament.
Delhi have two games remaining and are fifth on a 10-team ladder.
Starc and wife Alyssa Healy were among the Australian contingent that fled India last week following an air raid warning that brought the tournament to a halt.
Cricket Australia is expected to release a statement on Friday confirming the availability of players.
Australia captain Pat Cummins and batsman Travis Head are also set to return for their franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad.
More to come
