Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood’s participation in IPL 2026 remains uncertain as he continues to recover from injuries and awaits medical clearance. The 35-year-old pacer has been sidelined for several months due to hamstring and Achilles tendon issues, which also forced him to miss the Ashes 2025–26 campaign and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Hazlewood was initially expected to regain fitness in time for the upcoming Indian Premier League season and travel to India to join the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

However, sources have confirmed that the experienced fast bowler is still under physio care and will only join the squad once he receives clearance from the medical team.

“He is still under the physio care, and his participation in the IPL depends on whether he gets the clearance or not. There's still plenty of time, but it's a wait-and-watch situation for now,” a source privy to developments confirmed to Hindustan Times.

ALSO READ | Debt, Decisions and Democracy : Barcelona members vote for new president

Injury concerns ahead of IPL 2026

Hazlewood was one of RCB’s standout performers last season. In 12 matches, the right-arm pacer picked up 22 wickets and played a crucial role in helping the franchise remain competitive throughout the tournament. His performances contributed significantly to the Rajat Patidar-led side winning the IPL title for the first time, ending Virat Kohli’s 18-year wait to lift the trophy.

The Australian pacer initially injured his right hamstring while playing for New South Wales in November. He was ruled out of the first Ashes Test in Perth and was expected to return later in the series. However, a fresh Achilles injury eventually ruled him out of the entire Ashes campaign and later the T20 World Cup as well.

Meanwhile, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins is also dealing with fitness concerns ahead of IPL 2026. The Australian skipper has been managing a back injury that affected his workload throughout the Australian summer.

Cummins played only one Ashes Test in Adelaide. After Australia secured the series, the team management decided not to risk him for the remaining Tests in Melbourne and Sydney. He had earlier missed the opening two Tests in Perth and Brisbane and returned only for the third match in Adelaide, with Steve Smith leading the team in his absence.

ALSO READ | No 900 goals yet : Messi remains on 899 after Inter Miami’s 0–0 draw

Although Cummins was expected to be fit for the T20 World Cup, selectors confirmed just 10 days before the tournament that the 32-year-old had been ruled out of the competition.

According to sources of HT, Cummins is also currently under medical supervision ahead of the IPL season. It was also confirmed by the source that Pat Cummins is being monitored by the physio.

The schedule for the first 16 days of IPL 2026 was announced earlier this week, with the tournament set to begin on March 28. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face SunRisers Hyderabad in the opening match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.