Australia head coach McDonald flags tough calls on players' IPL participation ahead of packed 2027 schedule
Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald is considering limiting Test players' participation in the IPL to manage workloads ahead of a busy 2027 schedule. The team faces a demanding year featuring 20 Tests, including a tour of India and the Ashes.
Why it matters
The tension between lucrative franchise T20 leagues and international Test cricket scheduling remains a critical issue for player health and team performance.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has indicated that difficult decisions may have to be made over the participation of the team’s leading Test players in next year’s Indian Premier League as the side prepares for an intense international schedule leading into the Ashes.
Australia’s 12-month workload includes 20 Tests and 14 white-ball internationals, beginning with the two-Test series against Bangladesh in Darwin and Mackay. The schedule will eventually take the team through a five-Test tour of India before a five-Test Ashes series in England, according to Cricinfo.
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