IPL 2025 is roaring back from May 17, but here’s the catch- some of your favorite overseas stars might just vanish from the IPL battlefield mid-tournament! Why? Because the rescheduled IPL now clashes with major international commitments, and franchises in the top 5 are sweating bullets over who will actually be available when it matters most.
Take Gujarat Titans, for example. Jos Buttler could fly off for the West Indies ODI series starting May 29. Sherfane Rutherford might also be busy with West Indies’ Ireland and England ODIs. And the South African duo Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee? They’re gearing up for the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s from June 11. That means GT could lose four key overseas players right as the IPL playoffs approach!
Royal Challengers Bangalore face an even bigger headache. England’s limited-overs series against West Indies overlaps with IPL playoffs, meaning Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, and Romario Shepherd might be missing. Add Lungi Ngidi and Josh Hazlewood-both tied up with the WTC final or injury-and RCB could be down to just a handful of overseas stars.
Punjab Kings are a little lucky here. Josh Inglis and Marco Jansen will join the WTC final but PBKS should still have their core intact during the tournament’s climax.
Mumbai Indians might miss Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch, both off to the WTC final, while Delhi Capitals might lose Tristan Stubbs and Mitchell Starc for the same reason.
The BCCI is reportedly negotiating with the ECB & CWI to delay some player departures, but with such tight schedules and national priorities, it’s a tough call.
So, as you gear up for IPL 2025’s thrilling finish, remember it’s not just about runs and wickets this year. It’s a high-stakes game of squad depth, timing, and a bit of cricketing luck.
