The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to resume on May 17 after a week-long suspension due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. As teams gear up for the remaining matches, a wave of uncertainty surrounds the availability of key foreign players.
New Replacement Rules
Several players will be unavailable for the remainder of the season due to international commitments. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new rule to address this issue. Players brought in as replacements during the season can’t be retained by teams for the next season. However, replacements approved before the suspension will be eligible for retention.
Players’ Availability in Question
Many top players are uncertain about their participation in the remaining matches. Jos Buttler might miss the playoffs due to a West Indies series, while Kagiso Rabada could be absent due to the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Josh Hazlewood’s availability is also uncertain, given the WTC. In contrast, Pat Cummins and Travis Head are likely to return.
Other notable players like Marco Jansen, Will Jacks, and Mitchell Starc are also in doubt. Aiden Markram, a key player for Lucknow Super Giants, may be unavailable for the remaining matches.
Impact on Teams
The availability of foreign players will significantly impact team strategies for the rest of the season. Teams will need to adjust their lineups and game plans accordingly.
The following players are likely to be absent or uncertain for the remainder of IPL 2025:
- Jos Buttler (West Indies series)
- Kagiso Rabada (WTC final)
- Josh Hazlewood (WTC)
- Aiden Markram (uncertain)
- Marco Jansen (uncertain)
- Will Jacks (uncertain)
- Mitchell Starc (uncertain)
Teams will need to navigate these challenges to make a strong finish in the tournament.