RCB Fast Bowler Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out for Opening Weeks of IPL 2026
NEW DELHI: Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the beginning of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season due to ongoing Achilles and hamstring injuries. His recovery timeline extends an already lengthy absence from competitive cricket, sidelining him for at least the first two matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Injury Timelines for Australian Fast Bowlers
Medical assessments indicate Hazlewood may not be cleared for match fitness until mid-April. By that time, the 33-year-old will have gone nearly five months without playing a competitive fixture. Cricket Australia’s medical staff is managing his workload strictly to ensure his availability for the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) calendar.
Fellow Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins is also managing a rehabilitation program for a back injury. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) management currently has no definitive return date for their marquee overseas signing. Both fast bowlers missed major portions of the Australian home summer to prioritize physical recovery over immediate competitive returns.
Current Player Availability Status
| Player | IPL Franchise | Injury Type | Expected Return Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Hazlewood | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Achilles & Hamstring | Mid-April 2026 |
| Pat Cummins | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Back Injury | Indefinite |
Security Concerns Threaten PSL Participation
While preparations continue for the Indian Premier League, several Australian cricketers face operational challenges regarding the concurrent Pakistan Super League (PSL). Players including Steve Smith, David Warner, and Glenn Maxwell have expressed interest in the PSL, but regional security assessments are causing hesitation.
The Australian government has maintained a strict “do not travel” advisory for specific regions, notably Peshawar. In response to the geopolitical tensions and safety warnings, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has held briefings with overseas players. To secure international participation, the PCB has proposed dedicated security measures, including the deployment of a private jet for immediate evacuation from high-risk venues if an emergency arises.
- Affected Players: Steve Smith, David Warner, Glenn Maxwell
- High-Risk Venues: Peshawar (Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory)
- Contingency Plans: PCB-funded private jet evacuation protocols
Franchise leagues globally are navigating these overlapping schedules and player availability challenges. Further updates on player fitness and security clearances will be published via ESPNcricinfo as the tournaments approach.