The most lucrative edition yet of the Indian Premier League is about to blast off without the three Australian quicks who've become established showstoppers in the star-studded cricketing circus.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be without Josh Hazlewood, who did most to bowl them to the 2025 crown, when they take the field against 2024 finalists Sunrisers Hyderabad, who won't have their captain Pat Cummins in charge for the opening match on Saturday.
With 2024 champ Mitchell Starc also delaying his bow for the Delhi Capitals, as Cricket Australia closely monitor the fitness and workload of their masterful 30-something pace trio, it probably won't be well into the two-month campaign that they're cleared for action.
