Due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Premier League (IPL) Season 18 was put on hold. However, the remaining matches are now scheduled to resume from May 17. Many foreign players had left India during the break, and while some are returning to complete the season, others have opted out. Almost every team will face some impact, especially those that heavily relied on the performances of overseas stars to stay in the race for the playoffs.
Gujarat Titans
Under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, Gujarat Titans are at the top of the points table, thanks in large part to their foreign players. However, England’s Jos Buttler and South Africa’s pacers Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada are unlikely to return. Cricket South Africa has asked all players to report by May 26, although those not involved in the WTC Final might get an exemption. English players who aren’t part of the ODI series against the West Indies may still return. Rashid Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, and Karim Janat are among the Gujarat players ready to come back.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Led by Ajinkya Rahane, KKR will face RCB on May 17 in a do-or-die match. A loss would end their playoff hopes. Most KKR players are expected to reach Bengaluru between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. West Indies stars like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, and team mentor Dwayne Bravo are currently in Dubai. Afghan wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz returned to his home country, while South Africa’s Anrich Nortje, currently in the Maldives, is expected to rejoin the squad in Bengaluru.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad management has confirmed that there is no update yet on the return of Heinrich Klaasen, Isuru Udana, Kamindu Mendis, or Wiaan Mulder. Captain Pat Cummins and Travis Head are part of Australia’s WTC Final squad, though reports suggest they may still return. Since SRH is out of the playoff race, their return won’t impact the team much.
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Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings have the most Australian players. Cricket Australia has stated it will support players who wish to return for the rest of IPL 2025. Led by Shreyas Iyer, Punjab is a strong contender for the playoffs. Players like Xavier Bartlett, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mitchell Owen are expected to return. Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Josh Inglis, and Aaron Hardie might also come back. However, Jansen and Inglis are part of the WTC Final squad. Head coach Ricky Ponting and assistants Brad Haddin and James Hopes had boarded planes to leave but stayed back after the ceasefire.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Pacer Josh Hazlewood has been in top form this season and RCB is close to securing a playoff spot. However, Hazlewood is unlikely to return due to fitness concerns, although he is expected to play in the WTC Final starting June 11. Top-order batter Jacob Bethell is part of England’s ODI squad, so he and Romario Shepherd may miss the playoffs. Lungi Ngidi, also part of the WTC Final squad, has been asked to join the South African team by May 26.
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals need to win both their remaining matches to stay in the race. Mitchell Starc’s brilliant bowling has been crucial for the team, but he may not return. There is also uncertainty around the return of opener Jake Fraser-McGurk. Other foreign players are expected to rejoin, though Tristan Stubbs, part of the Test team, won’t be available after the league stage.
Mumbai Indians
Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch are part of South Africa’s WTC Final squad and have been asked to report by May 26. The team is set to leave for England by May 30. Will Jacks is unavailable due to international duties. Afghanistan’s spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman will be available for the remaining matches.
As IPL 2025 resumes, teams will need to adjust strategies based on which foreign players return and which don’t, making the road to the playoffs even more unpredictable.