After a week-long suspension due to rising geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is officially set to resume on May 17. However, the break has caused a significant reshuffle across teams, as many foreign players have returned to their home countries and are unlikely to come back — forcing franchises and the BCCI to take swift action.
Foreign Players Exit During IPL Suspension
The sudden pause in the tournament has disrupted team combinations, particularly due to the departure of overseas players. Several international cricketers have opted not to return for the remainder of the season, impacting squad balance and match strategies.
- Jake Fraser-McGurk, one of the breakout stars for Delhi Capitals, has decided not to return.
- Other players who have withdrawn include Jamie Overton of the Chennai Super Kings.
Fans and experts criticized the Delhi Capitals decision to replace Fraser-McGurk with Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman.
BCCI Amends Replacement Rule for Final Phase
Under regular IPL rules, franchises can only replace players due to injury or illness, and only up to their 12th league match. However, given the exceptional situation, the BCCI has introduced a temporary rule change:
"Teams are now allowed to sign temporary replacements for the remaining matches of IPL 2025, regardless of match count."
IPL allows franchises to announce 'Temporary Replacements' for players not returning for the remainder of the IPL ?
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) May 14, 2025
Click on the link to read the latest news https://t.co/SDvRSgU4Gn#IPL2025 #IPL pic.twitter.com/v5sksAjVwq
Key Condition
Players brought in after the May 17 resumption:
- Cannot be retained by their franchise for IPL 2026.
- Must enter the auction pool before the next season.
This rule aims to ensure fairness, discourage opportunistic signings, and help franchises deal with the shortage of overseas talent.
Who Can Still Be Retained?
Not all recent signings fall under the new restriction. Players signed before May 9 — within the 48 hours preceding the suspension — are exempt and can be retained for IPL 2026.
These include:
| Player | Team |
|---|---|
| Sediqullah Atal | Delhi Capitals |
| Mayank Agarwal | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| Luan-Dre Pretorius | Rajasthan Royals |
| Nandre Burger | Rajasthan Royals |
These players were added before the pause and therefore remain eligible for long-term retention.
What This Means for Teams
The final phase of IPL 2025 will be a true test of adaptability. Teams will need to:
- Reassess squad combinations
- Adjust tactics without key international players
- Plan for the future while keeping retention constraints in mind.
Franchises now face the dual challenge of pushing for playoff spots while preparing for the 2026 mega auction, where team building will begin anew under the updated retention framework.
Conclusion
With the tournament set to resume, fans can expect a gripping final leg filled with unexpected changes, new faces, and intense competition. The BCCI’s quick intervention offers some relief to teams, but the absence of key foreign players could significantly impact the remainder of IPL 2025.
How teams adapt to these sudden developments could determine not only their playoff fate but also their long-term future in the IPL landscape.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Tickets Refund Aur Reschedule Ki Puri Jaankari
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