IPL 2025 Resumes: Major Overseas Player Blow for Franchises

The IPL 2025 is set to resume this Saturday after a brief suspension, but franchises face a major challenge — the uncertainty over overseas player availability.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed ongoing negotiations with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the return of their players, especially with the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia starting on June 11 at Lord’s.

Out of 20 South Africans playing in the IPL, 8 are selected for the WTC Final, sparking concerns about their participation in the final leg of the tournament.

Meanwhile, the IPL has allowed teams to sign temporary replacements, though such players will not be eligible for the next season. Here’s a team-by-team update on foreign player availability.

IPL 2025 Resumes: BCCI & CSA in Talks As Overseas Player Crisis Hits Franchises

🔵 Gujarat Titans: Buttler Back, But Playoffs Doubtful

Jos Buttler and Gerald Coetzee have returned to Ahmedabad, but Buttler might miss the playoffs due to England duties.

Sherfane Rutherford is with the Windies squad in England, casting further doubt. Kagiso Rabada is training, but CSA’s final decision is pending.

🔴 Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Waiting on Livingstone & Salt

Josh Hazlewood remains uncertain with a shoulder niggle. While Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell are expected Thursday, Phil Salt‘s status is unclear.

Romario Shepherd is on national duty, and Lungi Ngidi’s selection in the WTC squad complicates RCB’s plans.

🟡 Punjab Kings: Marco Jansen to Rejoin – For Now

Marco Jansen will link up with Punjab Kings ahead of their Jaipur clash. However, his availability beyond the first match remains uncertain.

Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis are still doubtful. On the bright side, Xavier Bartlett, Mitchell Owen, and Azmatullah Omarzai are confirmed.

🔵 Mumbai Indians: Boult Returns, But SA Duo Awaiting Clearance

The star-studded MI squad resumed training with Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Bumrah.

Trent Boult is back, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mitchell Santner have joined. But Ryan Rickelton, Corbin Bosch, and Will Jacks await confirmation.

🔴 Delhi Capitals: Mustafizur In for Fraser-McGurk

With Jake Fraser-McGurk opting out, DC signed Mustafizur Rahman for ₹6 crore. However, his participation hinges on the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s NOC.

Also Read: Two Time IPL Winner Join Delhi Capital as Replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk

Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc and Tristan Stubbs are uncertain due to WTC commitments, and Faf du Plessis has yet to confirm return.

🟣 Kolkata Knight Riders: Overseas Stars Arriving

Quinton de Kock is expected in Bengaluru soon. Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Spencer Johnson have arrived.

Most KKR overseas players had been training in Dubai or the Maldives, ensuring quick return to action.

🔵 Lucknow Super Giants: Strong Squad Ready to Go

LSG seems best prepared among all teams. Players like Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Shamar Joseph, and Mathew Breetzke are already training.

Skipper Rishabh Pant has rejoined, and despite four recent defeats, the team is still playoff-bound.

🟠 Sunrisers Hyderabad: Aussie Duo Returns, But Mulder Unclear

Pat Cummins, Travis Head, and Heinrich Klaasen are back.

The Lankan pair Eshan Malinga and Kamindu Mendis are also available. But South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder may miss out due to Test commitments.