The Indian Premier League will resume on May 17, 2025; however, the situation looks a bit messy since a lot of overseas players won’t be available. This has led to the alteration of the IPL regulations regarding player replacements. Teams can now sign replacements on a temporary basis for the whole season. The replacements, of course, can neither be retained by the teams for the following auction nor be part of it.
Previously, only replacement for injuries or illnesses could be picked by a team prior to or during their twelfth match. But with the current developments after the recent mid-season break, they may sign new players for other reasons. The IPL stated in a memo to the teams that temporary replacements could be recruited until the end of the season due to some foreign players being unavailable for various reasons. But with this comes the catch-the new players must register in the 2026 auction and teams will not be able to retain them for the next year.
This seemed to be introduced, so teams do not use replacements as a loophole to bypass auction rules. Also, carrying on players signed before the season was paused is still allowed, such as Sediqullah Atal (Delhi Capitals), Mayank Agarwal (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Nandre Burger (Rajasthan Royals).
Following Jake Fraser-McGurk’s withdrawal due to personal reasons, the Delhi Capitals picked up Mustafizur Rahman. Fraser-McGurk had been pegged at an astronomical price of INR 9 crore, with Rahman coming in for INR 6 crore. He is the second foreigner to pull out after Jamie Overton from the Chennai Super Kings. Overton was supposed to be huge for the CSK lineup but has had a tough season, managing only 55 runs in six matches before they dropped him.
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The Capitals are still vying for a playoff spot but are waiting to know the availability of other overseas players such as Mitchel Starc, Faf du Plessis, and Tristan Stubbs. The latter’s case is complicated as he is nominated in South Africa’s squad for the World Test Championship final beginning on June 11. Cricket South Africa has said that those selected should adhere to their No Objection Certificates, which are, however, only valid until May 25.
England players like Jos Buttler (GT), Jacob Bethell (RCB), and Will Jacks (MI) are set to miss the playoffs due to an away ODI series against the West Indies. Bethell should get to appear in a couple more matches before leaving for that, but what Buttler and Jacks intend to do is unclear.
The MI, however, have good news with the return of New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult, whose services have been crucial to the side in recent times.
