Melbourne, Jan. 15 : Cricket Australia has said that it will not ban any of their top players from participating in the Indian Premier League this year - despite a growing injury toll which has now claimed half the team.

Though former South African batting great Barry Richards believes Cricket Australia has its hands tied because it would face a massive player backlash and even possible retirements if it prevented its stars from going to the IPL, he says: "Administrators don''t want to get the players offside so I am sure a lot of them will be playing in the IPL again."

According to Fox Sports, Australia is in the midst of a major injury crisis with Brett Lee (ankle), Andrew Symonds (knee), Shane Watson (back) and Peter Siddle (foot) all sidelined.

With the Ashes the No. 1 priority in 2009, Australia are likely to come under heavy pressure to prevent their star players from playing in the hit-and-giggle IPL.

Chances are Australia''s players will be available for the 20-over tournament, due to be staged after the three-Test tour of South Africa in February and March. (ANI)