Josh Hazlewood likely to pull out from the remainder of IPL 2025

The rise of the India-Pakistan conflict threw IPL 2025 out of its originally planned schedule. While the season oversees a quick resumption, some aspects seem to have already slipped out of the hands of the management. On Friday, the IPL governing council announced the suspension of IPL 2025 after the PBKS vs DC match was abandoned due to a security threat in Dharamsala. With the hostility growing between the neighbors, the foreign players in the league left for their respective homes. Now, India and Pakistan have reached a mutual agreement for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, the path is clear for IPL 2025 to resume within due time. However, the return of some of the foreign players seems unlikely, with the Australian camp especially disinterested as the WTC Final approaches soon.

Josh Hazlewood likely to withdraw from IPL 2025 with a shoulder niggle

In the latest update coming ahead of the IPL 2025 resumption, Josh Hazlewood is unlikely to join the RCB camp for the remainder of the season. Earlier in the day, a report from Australia suggested that the hostility during the India-Pakistan conflict has shaken the Kangaroos. Moreover, the week-long suspension of IPL 2025 is bound to push the schedule beyond the originally planned date. With the likes of Mitchell Starc, Travis Head, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood being Australia's prime prospects for the WTC Final, the players are mulling whether to return for the remainder of IPL 2025.

In the case of Josh Hazlewood, it’s an injury at play. Before the suspension, Hazlewood also missed the RCB vs CSK IPL 2025 match due to a niggle. The said niggle, one affecting his shoulder, is reportedly the cause for Hazlewood withdrawing from the remaining season. Royal Challengers Bengaluru is in an ideal spot to finish in the Top 2 for the IPL 2025 playoffs. However, Hazlewood has played one of the most impactful roles for the team thus far. The speedster is the leading wicket-taker for the team so far with 18 wickets in 10 matches. With Hazlewood pulling out, RCB can take a hit on their campaign which has been going successfully till now.

The announcement of the IPL 2025 suspension came on the day of the LSG vs RCB match. The resumption is likely to take off from that fixture. With 12 matches remaining at the league stage, RCB has to play 3 more in order to fortify a Top 2 finish ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs. However, with the WTC Final between Australia and South Africa scheduled from June 11, it’s likely for RCB to play without Hazlewood as the IPL 2025 final could be pushed to May 30.