The week-long suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan has been lifted, and the tournament is all set to resume on May 17.?However, one of the biggest challenges for franchises will be the availability of overseas players. Several foreign players might not return for various reasons—including national duty (such as the World Test Championship Final), injuries, or security concerns.
Can IPL teams replace players leaving for international duty?
Yes, but with restrictions. Teams are allowed to sign replacements for players unavailable due to injury or national duty, but only up to their 12th league match.
With limited overseas options, teams may be forced to reshuffle their lineups. Here's a look at which overseas stars could be missing from the IPL 2025 teams still in contention for the playoffs:
Best possible finish: 22 points
Remaining matches: vs DC, vs LSG, vs CSK
Foreign players who could miss:
Jos Buttler – Unclear: Part of England’s ODI squad; return during the playoffs is doubtful.
Kagiso Rabada – Unclear: Named in South Africa’s WTC Final squad; warm-up games overlap with IPL playoffs.
Rashid Khan – Available: No upcoming international fixtures for Afghanistan.
Led by Shubman Gill, Gujarat Titans need just one win to secure a spot in the playoffs. With three matches remaining, they are well-positioned not only to qualify but also to contend for a Top 2 finish.
Best possible finish: 22 points
Remaining matches: vs KKR, vs SRH, vs LSG
Foreign players who could miss:
Josh Hazlewood – Unavailable: Shoulder issue and part of Australia's WTC Final squad.?
Phil Salt – Available: Only in England's T20I squad; expected to stay until the end of the IPL.?
Jacob Bethell – Unavailable: Selected in England's ODI and T20I squads.?
Romario Shepherd – Unavailable: Part of West Indies' ODI squad.
Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB need just one more win to secure a spot in the Top 4. With two home games remaining, they could even push for a top-two finish.
Best possible finish: 21 points?
Remaining matches: vs RR, vs DC, vs MI?
Foreign players who could miss:?
Marcus Stoinis – Available: Expected to stay on after the ceasefire.?
Marco Jansen – Unclear: Named in South Africa’s WTC Final squad.?
PBKS need to win two of their remaining three games to secure what would be their first playoff berth in over a decade.? ?
Best possible finish: 18 points?
Remaining matches: vs GT, vs PBKS, vs DC?
Foreign players who could miss:?
Ryan Rickelton – Unclear: Named in South Africa's WTC Final squad?
Corbin Bosch – Unclear: Named in South Africa's WTC Final squad?
Will Jacks – Unavailable: Selected in England's ODI squad?
After a slow start to the season, Hardik Pandya's team had begun to build momentum. However, their recent defeat has put them on the back foot. With only three games left, another loss could end their hopes of making the playoffs.?
Best possible finish: 19 points?
Remaining matches: vs GT, vs MI, vs PBKS?
Foreign players who could miss:?
Mitchell Starc – Unavailable: Part of Australia's WTC squad; also cited personal and security concerns?
Tristan Stubbs – Unclear: Named in South Africa's WTC squad?
Faf du Plessis – Available: Not currently part of South Africa's national setup?
Led by Axar Patel, they must win all three of their remaining matches to surpass the 18-point playoff cutoff. Any slip-up could derail their hopes of qualifying for the Playoffs.?
Best possible finish: 15 points?
Remaining matches: vs CSK, vs RCB, vs SRH?
Foreign players who could miss:?
Spencer Johnson – Unclear: Not currently in Australia's WTC squad but could be called up as cover?
KKR's playoff hopes are slim—they must win all remaining games, hope PBKS lose all three, and DC beat PBKS but lose their other matches.?
Best possible finish: 16 points?
Remaining matches: vs SRH, vs GT, vs RCB?
Foreign players who could miss:?
Nicholas Pooran – Available: Not in West Indies' ODI squad?
Aiden Markram – Unclear: Named in South Africa's WTC squad?
Dewald Brevis – Available: Not in South Africa’s WTC squad?
Rishabh Pant's team must win all their remaining matches to stay in the playoff race and will need favourable results from other teams to keep their hopes alive.?