Australia’s path to the 2027 ODI World Cup could commence without some of their leading players, as the upcoming tour of Pakistan is scheduled to overlap with the Indian Premier League finals.
Series details and clash with IPL
The Australians are set to face Pakistan in three 50-over matches on May 30, June 2, and June 4 in Rawalpindi and Lahore, with the fixtures confirmed on Thursday. However, with the IPL final taking place on May 31, several Australian stars may be unavailable for at least the first two games of the series.
There are 16 Australians currently participating in India’s lucrative T20 competition, including Test captain Pat Cummins and T20 skipper Mitch Marsh. Both players are expected to be integral to Australia’s plans for next year’s World Cup as they aim to defend their title in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Key players affected
Travis Head is currently opening the batting for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who, as of Thursday morning, topped the table after defeating Ricky Ponting’s Punjab Kings, despite a first professional century from fellow Australian Cooper Connolly. Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis are also with the Kings, who appear likely to reach the finals, while Matthew Short’s Chennai Super Kings could also feature in the knockout stages.
It is understood that Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc will be rested from the series, as well as the subsequent tour of Bangladesh, regardless of IPL commitments, as they recover from injuries sustained during the recent Ashes series.
Road to the World Cup
May 30 will mark the beginning of Australia’s journey towards the 2027 World Cup, with One-Day International cricket having taken a back seat for much of the cricketing calendar. Following the Pakistan series, the Australians will face Bangladesh in three ODIs and three T20s.
2027 is set to be one of the biggest years in Australian cricket history, featuring a tour to India in January-February, the 150th Anniversary Test against England at the MCG in early March, an away Ashes series, and then the World Cup. It is also likely to be a final hurrah for many of the current generation, such as Steve Smith.
