PCB likely to hold PAK vs AUS series from May 31 in direct clash with IPL, availability of top players doubtful

As per a report in Geo News, the PCB has come up with a tentative schedule for Pakistan vs Australia ODI series, which is supposed to happen at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, from May 31 to June 4. The final announcement is yet to be made, but the PCB might have to deal with the absence of a few top Aussie players, who might still be busy with the IPL then; the dates are set to clash with the Indian Premier League.

Tentative schedule for PAK vs AUS series announced

May end is the time, when the teams would enter the playoffs, the most crucial time — and the franchises might be averse to the idea of top Australian players missing out, due an international series. As things are at the moment — the IPL 2026’s top 4 are — PBKS, RCB, SRH and RR, where the AUS players have immense role to play.

The likes of Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, and Xavier Bartlett ply their trade for Punjab, Bengaluru have Josh Hazlewood, while Hyderabad have Travis Head, and Pat Cummins. Some of the other teams, who are not yet in top 4, but are in contention, have huge Australian presence too.

Cooper Connolly has been a standout Aussie performer in IPL 2026, scoring 270 runs for PBKS. (Image Credit: IPL/X)

Direct clash with IPL 2026 playoffs

KKR have Cameron Green, Chennai have Matthew Short, and Spencer Johnson. Not to forget, Mitchell Starc has just joined DC, while Mitchell Marsh is busy with Lucknow. So, all in all, if the PAK vs AUS series does go through, it remains to be seen, as to which players will be instructed by Cricket Australia, to go to Pakistan for the ODI series.

One must also remember, that the franchises or the BCCI might not be eventually able to stop the players from leaving, but the teams might refrain from bagging AUS players from there on, in the auctions. The last league stage match finishes on May 24, while the playoffs begin from May 27.

What must also be kept in mind is, even though, except for the final, none of the dates are clashing with the series, but the players will need their own travel time, preparations, and time to recover after two months of cricket; which might not be possible in just days.

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