BCCI has announced that the IPL 2025 will resume on May 17. However, it seems like some of Australia’s top Test cricketers may not return to India. The delay caused by the India-Pakistan border conflict has made the schedule tighter, especially with the World Test Championship Final against South Africa starting on June 11. Cricket Australia (CA) has now responded to the situation, saying it won’t force players to come back. “Cricket Australia will support players in their individual decisions whether to return to India or not,” CA said in a statement. The statement also revealed that the board is in constant touch with the BCCI for communication and the safety of the players after the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. “Team management will work through the preparation implications for the World Test Championship final for those players who choose to play in the remaining IPL matches. We are maintaining communication with the Australian Government and BCCI around security arrangements and safety.” Notably, Mitchell Starc is unlikely to return while there is no confirmation on the captain Pat Cummins. Starc has already landed in Sydney and is reportedly not planning a comeback. “Mitchell Starc just landed moments ago with his wife at Sydney airport from Singapore. While he didn’t talk to us, his manager has confirmed with us that he may not be going back,” a 9News reporter revealed. CA has left the final decision to each individual, especially for those who might feature in the WTC Final. With only a week between the IPL final (now on June 3) and the Test final at Lord’s, some players could opt out to avoid risk of fatigue or injury. Cricket Australia released a statement this morning regarding players in the IPL: https://t.co/Pn8cNFb5dx pic.twitter.com/yAcqR4CGr4 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) May 12, 2025 BCCI’s extension puts Aussies in a tough spot The other major issue is Cricket Australia’s No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is only valid till May 25. With the BCCI now extending IPL 2025 till June 3, players would need fresh clearance to continue. With a few teams already being ruled out of the IPL 2025, their players might turn down the remainder of the IPL. Also READ: Ajinkya Rahane’s Test Comeback Hopes Ahead of England Tour This list will include SRH captain Pat Cummins, opener Travis Head, and CSK's Nathan Ellis. Josh Hazlewood, who is injured, is reportedly ruled out for the season. Earlier, Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa were also ruled out because of injuries. Franchises have been told by the BCCI to call back all overseas players. But with safety concerns, scheduling pressure, and Test commitments looming, CA’s stance gives the players a way out. There are still 13 league games and 4 playoffs left to be squeezed into less than two weeks.