IPL 2025 opens door for temporary replacements amid overseas player exits

With several top overseas cricketers caught between fulfilling national duties and honouring their IPL contracts, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly permitted franchises to recruit temporary replacement players for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season, reported ESPNcricinfo.

The league, which resumes on May 17 following a one-week suspension triggered by escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, will now culminate on June 3, as per the revised schedule released by the BCCI earlier this week. The original finale was set for May 25, but the unexpected break forced an extension.

According to the ESPNcricinfo report, while franchises are now allowed to rope in short-term replacements, these players will not be eligible for direct retention ahead of the next season.

The decision to tweak replacement regulations was taken in light of the growing list of foreign players exiting the league midway due to international commitments. Among those opting out of the remainder of the season are Jake Fraser-McGurk of Delhi Capitals and Jamie Overton of Chennai Super Kings. However, some overseas stars have decided to return to India to participate in the IPL 2025.

Historically, IPL guidelines only permitted teams to sign replacements in case of injury or illness, and only before their 12th league match. But the exceptional circumstances this season have prompted a relaxation in that policy. In a franchise memo, the league explained: “Given the non-availability of certain foreign players due to national commitments or personal reasons or any injury or illness, Temporary Replacement Players will be allowed until the conclusion of this tournament.”

Furthermore, those players signed before the league’s suspension, when four signings were made, will remain eligible. These signings included Sediqullah Atal (Delhi Capitals), Mayank Agarwal (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), and Lhuan-dre Pretorius along with Nandre Burger (Rajasthan Royals).

This regulatory shift is expected to help franchises stabilise their squads during the final stages of the season, even as the availability of marquee international talent remains uncertain. As teams approach a packed schedule of fixtures, the inclusion of short-term reinforcements may prove crucial in shaping the playoff race and ultimately deciding who lifts the IPL trophy on June 3.

(With inputs from ANI)

This article first appeared on Mid Day