Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, three of Australia's top pacers, are expected to miss the start of the Indian Premier League season later this month, giving their respective teams an early setback.

KKR has received a boost ahead of the IPL 2026 season as Matheesha Pathirana has received clearance from the Sri Lankan cricket board to join the franchise. Pathirana was seriously doubtful for the forthcoming season after sustaining an injury during the 2026 T20 World Cup