RCB’s IPL 2025 Title Hopes May Suffer as Josh Hazlewood Likely to Pull Out: Report

RCB’s IPL 2025 Title Hopes May Suffer as Josh Hazlewood Likely to Pull Out: Josh Hazlewood’s future in IPL 2025 is in doubt, as the Australian fast-bowler is confirmed with a shoulder injury and may be protected by Cricket Australia ahead of their World Test Championship final on June 11.

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So far Hazlewood has been one of the standout performers for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025, justifying his appointment by spearheading their attack all season with 18 wickets and other match-winning displays. However, Hazlewood did miss RCB’s last match before their suspension to the IPL season due to injury, which might see him be withdrawn from consideration for RCB if the IPL season does resume within the final two weeks of May.

An ESPNcricinfo report suggests Hazlewood suffered a shoulder injury which ruled him out of the home match versus CSK, on top of his rehabilitation from a calf and side strain which he sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which kept him from Australia's Champions Trophy. However, the report also indicated Hazlewood is predicted to return for the WTC final against South Africa at Lord’s, with that match a priority for CA.

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Overseas boards discuss player availability for IPL 2025

According to a report in Indian media, the IPL may be extended to May 30, three days longer than the scheduled date for the 2025 final. This has caused some logistical difficulty for the overseas cricket boards, as the international fixtures approaching them in the calendar combined with security concerns on the subcontinent have presented governing bodies with a dilemma.

After recent escalation of hatred at the border between India and Pakistan forced a one week suspension of the IPL season, overseas boards arranged for the return of most of their players to their home countries. Stated in recent reports, they are expected to release the players until May 25 for now, but their respective future in the competition up to that date is subject to agreements between the franchises, IPL, and the cricket boards.

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