Pakistan vs Australia. Image Credits: AFP
Australia's tour of Pakistan 2026 is scheduled to clash with the IPL 2026 Playoffs, with the three-match ODI series set to kick off in Rawalpindi on May 30. The caravan will then move to Lahore for the second and third ODIs on June 2 and June 4, respectively.
As it looks like the preparation ground for the ODI World Cup 2027, the Men in Green will host the defending champions, who will field a second- or third-tier squad for this series.
According to the Cricket Australia (CA), the Australian contingent will land in Islamabad on May 23 - seven days prior to the start of the series, meaning several stars will certainly miss the Pakistan tour.
In this article, we will know about the Australian cricketers who are going to be available and unavailable for the Pakistan tour 2026.
Australians Unavailable for Pakistan Tour 2026
It has been understood that the IPL regulars who will all be featuring in the playoffs will miss the Pakistan tour 2026. Thus, Australian players from teams such as Punjab, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi will be unavailable.
Additionally, players like the Australian Captain Pat Cummins will not participate in the Pakistan tour 2026, alongside the two big pacers - Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, and hard-hitting Travis Head as well.
Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis (PBKS)
Despite losing three games on the trot, the Punjab Kings are still the top contenders for a playoff spot. The Shreyas Iyer-led side is aiming to break its 19-year drought and win its maiden IPL silverware. In this Punjab unit, Cooper Connolly is playing as a vital cog batting at number 3. Recently, the Australian all-rounder went on to smash a record IPL century.
Xavier Bartlett played eight games for PBKS but has been benched in recent games in favour of Lockie Ferguson. Bartlett, along with Ben Dwarshuis, is next in line if PBKS change their plans heading into the business end.
Pat Cummins, Travis Head (SRH)
SRH captain Pat Cummins joined the Orange Army recently, and his addition has made the one-time champions a whole different team. The Australian skipper has not only made Hyderabad’s bowling stronger, but his shrewd leadership adds a whole different dimension to their squad.
Just like Cummins, Travis Head is a lethal cog in the Sunrisers batting. Although the hard-hitting opener didn’t start the IPL well, Head has regained his blistering form.
SRH, currently sitting atop the table, will likely qualify for the playoffs, but even if they do, Cummins and Head won’t travel for the Pakistan tour 2026.
Also Read: After Bengaluru, Hyderabad Stadium Comes In Trouble Mid IPL, Police Issues Statement
Josh Hazlewood (RCB)
Josh Hazlewood plays a major role in the RCB bowling unit. Hoff, as they call him, has taken 8 wickets in six innings, helping the defending champions win two matches with his Player of the Match performances. Heading into the playoffs, Hazlewood will serve a key role if RCB qualifies, which they certainly will. Moreover, if Bengaluru doesn't, he won't travel to Pakistan for the ODIs.
Mitchell Starc (DC)
Although DC's chances are very slim, they will bank on Mitchell Starc, who has been a big match player over the years. Remember IPL 2024 for KKR? The left-arm seamer joined his franchise a month late, as CA has taken all precautionary measures to prolong his career. Thus, he won't be a part of the squad for the Pakistan tour 2026 even if DC fails to qualify.
Matthew Short (CSK)
Matthew Short has played just two games for CSK, and he has been warming the bench for some time now. However, he is someone who might come into the CSK Playing XI in the business end, considering what team composition they are looking for.
CSK might qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs, thanks to their recent performances. Thus, the all-rounder will stay in India and won’t travel to Pakistan.
Australians Available for Pakistan Tour 2026
Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis (LSG)
Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis, playing for LSG in IPL 2026, will most likely participate in the PAK vs AUS ODI series, given their side's run this season. In the absence of Pat Cummins, Marsh is expected to lead Australia on the Pakistan tour 2026. Whereas, the wicketkeeper Inglis will serve a crucial part of the Australia squad in the ODIs.
Cameron Green (KKR)
Just like LSG, KKR have been pretty out of form in IPL 2026. Thus, their swashbuckler Cameron Green will be free in time to travel to Pakistan.
Marnus Labuschagne, Adam Zampa (Played PSL 2026)
Marnus Labuschagne and Adam Zampa were in Pakistan till last month. The 31-year-old led Hyderabad Kingsmen to the PSL 2026 final, while the leg-spinner played a good part for the Karachi Kings. The two players are expected to be on the flight to Pakistan.
Nathan Ellis, Matthew Renshaw (Regular names)
Nathan Ellis was ruled out of the IPL 2026 after sustaining a hamstring injury in the domestic One-Day Cup final. The speedster has recovered fully, and is expected to lead Australia's bowling attack in the ODIs against Pakistan.
Matthew Renshaw, who has been in Australia's scheme of things in recent times, will also be picked for the Pakistan tour 2026, especially after his 499-run Sheffield Shield season.
Ollie Peake, Joel Davies, Tanveer Sangha, Nikhil Chaudhary (New faces)
Moreover, upcoming performers such as Ollie Peake, Joel Davies, Tanveer Sangha and Nikhil Chaudhary are likely to earn their respective call-ups for the upcoming ODI tour.
Also Read: Pat Cummins Offered A New Contract In Midst Of IPL 2026
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