The Indian Premier League 2025 is back on — but it’s a shadow of its former self. After a nine-day suspension triggered by rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the tournament resumes on Bengaluru on May 17, 2025, with nearly half its overseas stars gone. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the return date on May 12, 2025, but the scheduling clash with international series has emptied benches, leaving teams scrambling for replacements and fans wondering if the soul of the league still exists.
Foreign Stars Walk Away as Calendar Collides
It’s not just bad timing — it’s a perfect storm. The rescheduled finale on June 3, 2025, directly overlaps with England’s ODI series against the Netherlands, West Indies’ tour of England, and the build-up to the World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa on June 11. For players like Jos Buttler, England’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter for Gujarat Titans, the choice was simple: national duty over franchise cricket. He’s been named in England’s ODI squad, and his absence is just the start.
Sherfane Rutherford (Gujarat Titans) and Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans) are also out, both pulled by West Indies and South Africa respectively. Even more jarring: Mitchell Starc, who took 14 wickets in 11 matches for Delhi Capitals, has decided not to return at all. He’s already home in Australia, and despite being one of the tournament’s most lethal bowlers, his absence won’t be replaced — not because of injury, but because the timing doesn’t work for his team’s preparation cycle.
England’s Injury Shield and Australia’s Priorities
Then there’s Jofra Archer. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) didn’t just decline his return — they put him in what one spokesperson called “bubble wrap.” Archer, playing for Rajasthan Royals, has been managing a chronic elbow issue, and the ECB’s priority is his long-term health over a short tournament. That’s a stark contrast to how IPL franchises used to treat foreign stars — as untouchable assets. Now, they’re expendable.
For Australia, the calculus is even clearer. Pat Cummins and Travis Head, both with Sunrisers Hyderabad, were named in the Test squad for the final — but their team is already out of playoff contention. So why risk fatigue? Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals) is one of the few who’ll return — but only until June 3. He’s heading straight to South Africa’s Test camp afterward. It’s a new reality: IPL is no longer the crown jewel. It’s a stopgap.
Teams in Chaos: Replacements, Injuries, and Slim Hopes
The ripple effects are everywhere. Chennai Super Kings lost Sam Curran and Jamie Overton. Royal Challengers Bengaluru lost Lungi Ngidi and Devdutt Padikkal — replaced by veteran Mayank Agarwal, a solid but unglamorous fix. Kolkata Knight Riders are in full crisis mode: Moeen Ali is sidelined with a viral infection, and Rovman Powell needs surgery. Their playoff chances? “Slim,” says Cricket One.
And then there’s the quiet collapse of the tournament’s competitive integrity. Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings are all mathematically out. That means 17 matches — including the final — are being played for pride, not trophies. Fans in Bengaluru and elsewhere are showing up, but the energy feels different. Less festival. More funeral.
What This Means for the Future of IPL
This isn’t just a scheduling hiccup. It’s a warning sign. The IPL’s power has always been its ability to lure the world’s best players — even if it meant bending international calendars. But now, the tide is turning. National boards are no longer willing to sacrifice Test and ODI commitments for a 60-day T20 league. Players, too, are prioritizing longevity over paychecks. The BCCI might have saved the 2025 season — but at what cost?
Cricket Australia’s head of national teams, Ben Oliver, said it best: “We’ll work with players on their individual decisions.” That’s code for: “We’re not backing down.” And with the World Test Championship final looming, and the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, the balance of power is shifting. The IPL may still be the richest league on earth — but it’s no longer the most important.
Who’s Still In? Who’s Out?
- Out: Jos Buttler (Gujarat Titans), Sherfane Rutherford (Gujarat Titans), Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans), Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals), Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals), Sam Curran (CSK), Jamie Overton (CSK), Lungi Ngidi (RCB), Moeen Ali (KKR), Rovman Powell (KKR), Heinrich Klaasen (SRH), Eshan Malinga (SRH), Kamindu Mendis (SRH), Wiaan Mulder (SRH), Marco Jansen (MI), Jake Fraser-McGurk (DC), Harry Brook (PBKS), Donovan Ferreira (unknown team)
- Still In: Sunil Narine (Gujarat Titans), Andre Russell (Gujarat Titans), Travis Head (SRH — but only until June 3), Tristan Stubbs (DC — until June 3), Glenn Maxwell (LSG — injured, replaced), Lockie Ferguson (KKR — injured, replaced)
- Uncertain: Pat Cummins (SRH), Wiaan Mulder (SRH), Heinrich Klaasen (SRH), Eshan Malinga (SRH), Kamindu Mendis (SRH)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are so many foreign players leaving IPL 2025 now?
The resumption date clashes directly with international fixtures — England’s ODI series against the Netherlands, West Indies’ tour of England, and Australia’s preparation for the World Test Championship final. National boards are prioritizing these events, and players are following suit. With no official compensation or flexibility from the BCCI, many see no reason to risk injury or fatigue.
How will the BCCI replace these high-profile players?
Teams are turning to local backups and fringe overseas players. Mayank Agarwal replaced Devdutt Padikkal at RCB, while Kusal Mendis was drafted in as a temporary replacement for Jos Buttler. But these aren’t star names — they’re stopgaps. The BCCI has no formal replacement pool, and many teams lack the budget to sign last-minute replacements from overseas.
Will this affect IPL’s global appeal in future seasons?
Absolutely. If national boards keep viewing IPL as a scheduling inconvenience, top players may start declining contracts. The league’s brand was built on star power — without it, broadcast deals and sponsorships could suffer. The BCCI may need to adjust the calendar or offer guaranteed rest periods after international duty to retain top talent.
Are any teams still competitive without their overseas stars?
Yes — but barely. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders still have core Indian players like Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, respectively. But their chances are slim without the firepower of Rabada, Starc, or Ngidi. The tournament is becoming more about domestic talent — a shift that could either strengthen Indian cricket or expose the league’s over-reliance on foreign stars.
What’s the impact on fans and ticket sales in Bengaluru?
Ticket sales have dipped 30-40% compared to pre-suspension levels, according to local vendors. Fans are showing up — but the buzz is muted. Without Starc’s pace or Buttler’s fireworks, the matches feel more like practice games. Many supporters say they’re watching for loyalty, not excitement. The emotional connection is still there — but the spectacle is fading.
Could the BCCI have avoided this crisis?
Yes. The BCCI could have scheduled the suspension period to end after the international windows, or offered to release players from their contracts if they were called up. Instead, they insisted on a fixed return date, forcing players into impossible choices. This wasn’t just bad luck — it was poor planning. The league’s financial muscle should have come with diplomatic leverage. It didn’t.