The IPL 2025 was suspended for a week due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan — a situation that even led to the abrupt abandonment of the PBKS vs RCB match after just 10 overs were bowled. However, with the political climate showing signs of cooling down, the resumption of the tournament now appears imminent. While some reports suggest that the IPL will restart from 30th May, others claim 30th May might actually be the final, depending on logistical feasibility and player availability.
One of the biggest concerns surrounding the restart is the absence of several top international stars due to the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, scheduled to be held on June 11 at Lord’s. With preparations underway for the high-stakes clash, many key players are likely to skip the remainder of the IPL season.
Players Unavailability due to WTC Final 2025
In terms of player availability, Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out due to injury and is not expected to regain fitness in time. Additionally, top-tier names like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Travis Head, Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, and Marco Jansen are also set to miss the rest of the IPL as they prioritize national duties for the WTC Final, which is absolutely correct. While most foreign players from other countries might return depending on individual circumstances, Australian and South African players are largely expected to be unavailable. Franchises closely monitor the situation and reassess their squad combinations to prepare for the season’s resumption without some of their key overseas assets.
Furthermore, a few foreign players might be hesitant to travel to India amid the still-sensitive India-Pakistan situation, raising questions about full overseas participation. Adding to that, ongoing bilateral series could affect the availability of certain players. However, history has shown that international stars often prioritize the IPL over bilateral series, with national boards opting to send second-string squads. A recent example is the New Zealand vs Pakistan series, where several top Kiwi players were participating in the IPL while New Zealand fielded a B squad. This trend suggests that despite the complications, most international cricketers are still inclined to stay committed to their IPL franchises.