Australia’s cricket selectors have provided a fresh update on the fitness of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood after both pacers missed the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to injury concerns. Officials emphasised that the decision to keep them out was primarily due to timing, not a prioritisation of league commitments, and expressed optimism that both could be fit in time for IPL 2026 action.
Timing, not IPL priority, drove selection decisions
Selectors made it clear that if the scheduling had been reversed with the IPL first and the World Cup second Cummins and Hazlewood likely would have withdrawn from the World Cup instead. The timing of injuries and recovery cycles played a defining role in their omission from Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign, leaving staff and fans frustrated but pragmatic about the process.
Hobbling through World Cup exposed bowling gaps
Australia’s early exit from the global tournament highlighted the impact of their bowling absences. With both Cummins and Hazlewood unavailable, the bowling unit struggled to find consistent breakthroughs in crucial matches, underscoring just how pivotal experienced pace options are in international T20s. The selectors defended the approach, noting that health and long-term fitness stability were the priority when weighing up player availability.
What this could mean for IPL 2026 franchises
If both pacers achieve full fitness, their availability will be a major boost for franchise recruiters and captains as they finalise plans for IPL 2026 Auction strategies. Teams seeking fast bowling leadership and death-overs control will be watching closely, with the potential return of Cummins and Hazlewood reshaping bowling combinations and tactical plans tied to IPL 2026 Teams. Their inclusion could also influence how teams approach overseas player balance alongside emerging domestic talent.
Recovery outlook as season approaches
Both players have been managing injury issues including back stress for Cummins and Achilles or hamstring setbacks for Hazlewood during the build-up to the World Cup. Recovery timelines remain the key focus, with management hoping that careful rehabilitation will allow them to peak at the right moment ahead of the start of IPL 2026, when teams will rely on their experience and pace firepower.
