New Delhi: After the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India launched Operation ‘Sindoor’ and entered into a military standoff with Pakistan, resulting in the postponement of the IPL. The BCCI’s announcement that the world’s most talked-about, popular, and richest cricket league will resume from the 17th has filled the cricketing world with joy. Cricket fans and supporters are enthusiastic about the development.
As many foreign players had returned to their countries, efforts are underway to bring them back. Teams like Mumbai Indians have already resumed training from Wednesday. Former captain Rohit Sharma is leading the squad. Alongside him, spinner Karn Sharma, Ashwin Kumar, Rabin Minz, and Tilak Verma were also seen practicing for a long time at Wankhede Stadium.
Teams like Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans are scheduled to start practice from Thursday. Initially, players of each team will gather at one location before traveling to different venues for matches based on the revised schedule.
It’s noteworthy that 57 matches of IPL 2025 have been completed, and 17 more are left — including 13 league matches and 4 playoffs. The second phase of IPL will kick off on the 17th with the match between RCB and KKR in Bengaluru. The league stage will be held in six venues as per BCCI. The venues for the playoffs will be announced later by the BCCI.
Mustafizur Replaces McGurk
Citing security concerns, Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk has confirmed he will not return for the second phase of IPL. In his place, Delhi Capitals has included Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman in the squad. McGurk’s absence might not significantly affect Delhi, as he scored only 55 runs in the first six matches and was later dropped from the team. With doubts over the return of another Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, Delhi appears to be aiming for a two-in-one solution with Mustafizur. Having debuted in IPL in 2016, Mustafizur previously played for Delhi in 2022 and 2023. The 29-year-old pacer has taken 38 wickets in 38 IPL matches.
BCCI Revises ‘Player Replacement’ Rule
The BCCI has revised the ‘player replacement’ rule for the remaining matches of the IPL. Now, all 10 teams are allowed to pick replacement players temporarily and on a mid-season basis, not just in cases of illness or injury as was the case before. Since many foreign players are reluctant to return for the second phase, this policy change has been made. However, BCCI has clarified that these temporary replacements cannot be retained by franchises for the next season.
Curran, Overton Will Not Return
All foreign players of Chennai Super Kings will return except Sam Curran and Jamie Overton, as informed by CEO Kasi Viswanathan. Though Chennai has already been eliminated from the playoffs, they aim to end the season with honor by performing well in their last two matches. While Overton didn’t make a significant impact, Curran had been performing well regularly, and his absence could be problematic for Chennai. However, New Zealanders Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra are available. Chennai will face Rajasthan Royals on May 20 in Delhi and Gujarat Titans on May 25 in Ahmedabad in their last two league matches.
South African Players Unavailable for Playoffs
South African players may not be available for the IPL playoffs due to the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final. South Africa’s head coach Shukri Conrad has instructed all players involved in the IPL to return home by May 26. Originally, players were supposed to return on May 26, the day after the IPL final. But as per the new schedule, the IPL final will now be played on June 3. Despite the change, South Africa’s return date remains unchanged. Among the four teams likely to qualify for the playoffs, at least seven South African players are involved.
