After being postponed for a few days, the IPL 2025 season is finally resuming. Tensions between India and Pakistan have calmed down for now, allowing the tournament to get back on track. However, the changed circumstances have increased the challenges for all 10 teams — particularly regarding the availability of foreign players. Some are returning, some will not come back, and others may miss the playoffs. Here’s a detailed look at the status of each team.
The BCCI had suspended the IPL for a week on May 9. As a result, several foreign players left India the next day to return to their home countries, although some remained in India. Now that the tournament is restarting on May 17, not all players are willing or able to return. Some will rejoin their teams but won’t be available for the playoffs.
England
England will be playing a One Day International (ODI) series against West Indies starting on May 29, which is also when the IPL playoffs begin. Therefore, some English players will have to leave before the playoffs.
- Jos Buttler (GT), Jacob Bethell (RCB), and Will Jacks (MI) are returning to India but will leave before the playoffs.
- Jofra Archer (RR) and Jamie Overton (CSK) will not return as their teams are already out of the playoffs.
- Liam Livingstone (RCB) and Phil Salt (RCB) have rejoined their team.
Australia
Australia is preparing for the World Test Championship (WTC) final next month.
- Mitchell Starc (DC) will not return.
- However, Pat Cummins and Travis Head (SRH) are rejoining their squad, though their team is out of playoff contention.
- The availability of Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, and Aaron Hardie (PBKS) is still unclear.
- Xavier Bartlett and Mitch Owen (PBKS) are returning to the squad.
- Tim David (RCB) and Josh Hazlewood (RCB) have returned to their squad. However, Hazlewood might not be available for playoffs due to the WTC Final.
South Africa
South Africa, the other WTC finalist, has several players involved in the IPL. The South African board has asked its IPL players selected for the WTC final squad to return by May 25. The BCCI is reportedly in talks with them about this.
- Kagiso Rabada (GT) is already in Ahmedabad.
- Marco Jansen (PBKS) and Lungi Ngidi (RCB) are rejoining their teams, but their availability for the playoffs is uncertain.
- The status of Aiden Markram (LSG), Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch (MI), Wiaan Mulder (SRH), and Tristan Stubbs (DC) is unclear.
- Quinton de Kock (KKR), who has retired from international cricket, is returning to the tournament. However, Faf du Plessis (DC) has decided to not return.
- There is no clear update yet on David Miller and Matthew Breetzke (LSG).
Also Read- Big Decision on Player Replacements in IPL: Relief for Teams but Also a Complication
West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Others
West Indies players will also participate in the upcoming ODI series against England.
- Romario Shepherd (RCB) has rejoined his team, though his availability for playoffs is not confirmed.
- Sherfane Rutherford (GT) and Shamar Joseph (LSG) may also rejoin their teams.
- Andre Russell (KKR), Nicholas Pooran (LSG), Shimron Hetmyer (RR), and Sunil Narine (KKR) are not expected to face any issues with participation.
From Sri Lanka:
- Wanindu Hasaranga (RR), Matheesha Pathirana (CSK), Ishan Malinga (SRH), and Nuwan Thushara (RCB) are not facing any issues.
- However, Maheesh Theekshana (RR) is injured and is unlikely to play.
From New Zealand:
- Star pacer Trent Boult has given relief to Mumbai Indians by rejoining the squad.
- Mitchell Santner is also expected to join the team.
