IPL 2025 Resumes: Overseas Players Set to Return Amid Tensions
IPL 2025 Resumption Details
The IPL 2025 is set to restart on Saturday, May 17, after a week-long pause due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Most international players are expected to return, with only a few Australians and English players absent. Here’s a breakdown of the overseas players for each franchise.
Overseas Players Returning for IPL 2025
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad will welcome back skipper Pat Cummins and opener Travis Head for the remaining matches of IPL 2025. The status of other foreign players like Heinrich Klaasen, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, and Wiaan Mulder remains uncertain, but they are anticipated to participate in the last two games. Despite the return of key players, SRH's chances of making the playoffs are slim as they have already been eliminated.
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians are currently in a strong position on the points table and resumed training at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. Former captain Rohit Sharma was present, along with overseas players Mitchell Santner, Bevon Jacobs, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who stayed in the country during the break. Will Jacks from England and wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton are expected to join the squad on Thursday. However, both players, along with Corbin Bosch, are part of South Africa's WTC Final squad, raising doubts about their availability for the playoffs. Mumbai's next match is against Delhi Capitals on May 21, giving them time to prepare.
Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans are set to have all their key international players back, including Jos Buttler and Gerald Coetzee, who will return on Wednesday. Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Karim Janat, and Sherfane Rutherford have remained in India and are already with the team. While GT has a solid chance of reaching the playoffs, they may miss Jos Buttler's services, as he is scheduled to play in England's ODI series against West Indies, which could significantly impact the team's performance.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders will have all their international players available and appear well-prepared for the tournament's resumption. Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Rovman Powell, along with mentor DJ Bravo, have been in Dubai for the past three days, while Nortje was vacationing in the Maldives. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who returned to Kabul during the suspension, will join the West Indies players in Dubai before heading to India for the remaining matches. Moeen Ali and Spencer Johnson have returned to their home countries but are expected back soon.
Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals face some uncertainties, particularly regarding their bowling coach Shane Bond's return. The availability of Jofra Archer and Shimron Hetmyer is also unclear, as Archer is set to play for England against West Indies starting May 29. While there is no definitive information about the Royals' players, it is likely that Wanindu Hasaranga, Lhuan-dre Pretorious, Maheesh Theekshana, and Fazalhaq Farooqi will be available for the final two matches.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Josh Hazlewood is injured and unlikely to return, while Jacob Bethell's participation is also in doubt due to his inclusion in England's ODI squad. Liam Livingstone is expected to join the team. With CSA requesting their players to return by May 26, Lungi Ngidi may also miss the playoffs for RCB. The team is facing significant challenges, especially with injuries to Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal.
Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings are uncertain about the return of Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis, both Australians. Marco Jansen is currently in Dubai and has not yet rejoined the team. Inglis is participating in the World Test Championship final with Australia. However, Xavier Bartlett, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mitchell Owen have confirmed their availability for the remaining IPL matches.
Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings will regroup in Delhi on May 17. With their playoff hopes dashed, coach Stephen Fleming will decide which foreign players will return. Noor Ahmad from Afghanistan and Matheesha Pathirana from Sri Lanka will be available for the remaining matches. Noor stayed in Chennai to finalize his USA visa for Major League Cricket next month. New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway are still at home, awaiting travel updates from CSK.
Lucknow Super Giants
Matthew Breetzke is set to return, but the status of Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and David Miller remains unconfirmed. Nicholas Pooran will continue with Lucknow Super Giants for the upcoming matches following the IPL 2025 resumption.
Delhi Capitals
Mitchell Starc and Jake Fraser-McGurk will not return, still affected by the abandoned match between PBKS and DC. However, there is positive news for Delhi Capitals as Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs will be back for the remaining matches, along with Dushmantha Chameera from Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
(This article will be updated as more information becomes available.)