Australia’s World Cup Plans Put RCB and SRH in IPL 2027 Danger
Cricket Australia (CA) is building its 2027 ODI World Cup strategy around its pace bowling trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc — and that ambition could spell trouble for two of the IPL’s biggest franchises.
Head coach Andrew McDonald has made it clear that keeping the three pacers fit and fresh for the World Cup is the national board’s top priority. All three arrived late for the current IPL season due to fitness concerns. Of the trio, only Starc played the full Ashes series, while Cummins and Hazlewood — both managing the demands of age and a relentless schedule — were eased back carefully.
A Gruelling Road to the World Cup
Australia face 20 Test matches in the 12 months from mid-August 2026, potentially rising to 21 if they reach the World Test Championship Final. With Starc and Hazlewood in their late 30s and Cummins in his mid-30s, CA will be cautious about piling further strain on their bodies. The IPL, with its travel, heat, and intensity, represents a significant workload risk.
Between August 2026 and the start of IPL 2027, Australia are scheduled to play 15 Tests. CA’s desire to keep their pace attack fully primed for red-ball cricket makes heavy IPL involvement for the trio increasingly unlikely.
What This Means for RCB and SRH
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad stand the most to lose. Hazlewood was RCB’s standout bowler during their 2025 title-winning season, and the franchise will need to negotiate hard with CA to secure his participation. Cummins, who captains SRH and has twice guided them to the playoffs, is equally central to their identity. CA’s precedent with Cameron Green — whose bowling was restricted mid-season — shows the board is willing to enforce workload rules even within an ongoing tournament.
Cummins himself withdrew entirely from the 2023 IPL to prepare for the World Cup, which Australia went on to win. With history likely to repeat itself, RCB and SRH must plan for a 2027 campaign potentially without their most valuable Australian assets.