# Australia will manage IPL availability during busy Test schedule

2026-08-08T07:27:01+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has said the IPL remains part of the team's player management plan, even as the national side faces a packed schedule of 20 Tests and 14 white-ball matches in the next 12 months. The calendar includes a five-Test tour of India, a potential World Test Championship final, and the Ashes in England. The 2027 IPL window is expected to fall between the India series and the WTC final. McDonald told Cricinfo that exposing Australia's best players to the IPL has performance benefits but must be balanced against workload. He stressed that protecting the fitness of fast bowlers like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood is the priority. The team will make decisions in consultation with medical staff, McDonald said, adding that players want to play for Australia.

## Coverage

- sports.ndtv.com <https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/ipl-can-fit-into-australias-packed-schedule-but-well-have-to-balance-it-out-head-coach-mcdonald-11882290>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/ipl-is-part-of-our-plan-andrew-mcdonald-explains-australias-strategy-before-india-tour-and-ashes/articleshow/133046886.cms>

Tags: Andrew McDonald, Ashes, Australia cricket, IPL 2027, player workload, Test cricket
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