The Indian Premier League is set to resume on May 17 after a brief pause due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Several foreign players have left India, and while some are returning for the remaining matches, others have opted out. This could significantly impact teams that rely heavily on their overseas players.
Teams Hit Hard by Foreign Player Exodus
The Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, top the points table thanks in part to the contributions of foreign players like Jos Buttler, Gerald Coetzee, and Kagiso Rabada. However, these players might not return, as the South African Cricket Board has instructed its players to be back by May 26. England’s players, too, are unlikely to return unless they’re not part of the ODI series against West Indies.
Other foreign players for Gujarat, including Rashid Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, and Karim Janat, are expected to return. Kolkata Knight Riders, captained by Ajinkya Rahane, face a crucial match against RCB on May 17. The team’s West Indian players, such as Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Rovman Powell, are currently in Dubai.
Player Availability and Team Prospects
Sunrisers Hyderabad has confirmed that Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram is not mentioned but Aiden’s teammate in SRH Ishan Malinga (this could be a misspelling; possibly referring to Akeal Hosein or another player but the most likely is Wanindu Hasaranga’s teammate in Sri Lanka team, not SRH – so it could be a misspelling), Kamindu Mendis, and Tyan Mulder won’t be returning. Captain Pat Cummins and Travis Head are part of the WTC Final team.
Punjab Kings, with a strong contingent of Australian players, is likely to be supported by Cricket Australia if they choose to return for IPL 2025. Players like Shreyas Iyer, along with overseas players such as Xavier Bartlett, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mitchell Owen, are set to return. Other players like Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Josh Inglis, and Aaron Hardie might also return, although Jansen and Inglis are part of the WTC Final team.
Other Teams’ Concerns
Delhi’s remaining matches are crucial, and they’ll need to win both to stay in contention. However, Mitchell Starc and Jake Fraser-McGurk’s return is uncertain. Other overseas players are expected to rejoin the team. Rajasthan Royals’ Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch are part of the WTC Final squad and must report back to South Africa by May 26. Wicket-keeper Will Jacks has international commitments, while Afghanistan’s spin sensation Mujeeb Ur Rahman is available for the remaining matches.