Melbourne, March 20 Four leading Australian fast bowlers, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, are set to miss the start of the upcoming Indian Premier League season later this month, dealing an early setback to their respective franchises.
According to a report in cricket.com.au, Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood will miss at least the initial phase of the IPL, while Nathan Ellis is expected to be completely ruled out of the tournament.
The report stated that Cricket Australia (CA) is taking a cautious approach with its fast bowlers ahead of a busy schedule starting in August, which includes 21 Test matches in a 12-month period.
Australia will tour South Africa, India, and England before defending the ODI World Cup title in 2027.
"The trio's availability will depend on their progress in their return-to-play protocols over the next few weeks," the report said.
Test captain Cummins featured in only one Test last summer due to a back stress injury, while Hazlewood missed the entire series due to hamstring and Achilles issues.
The duo also missed the T20 World Cup.
Starc played all five Ashes Tests and the latter stages of the Big Bash League, but not the T20 World Cup as he has retired from the format.
Australia selector Tony Dodemaide had said that Cummins and Hazlewood's availability for the IPL was purely a "timing issue".
"If it were the other way around, the IPL would be first, and the World Cup second, then they would miss the IPL to play in the World Cup," Dodemaide said.
"This won't be frustrating for us at all. We know their commitment to wanting to play and succeed for Australia."
Cummins is the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Starc plays for Delhi Capitals and Hazlewood for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The IPL begins on March 28 in Bengaluru.