The Indian Premier League (IPL) has cleared teams to bring in temporary replacements for the remainder of the 2025 season as it gears up for a restart from May 17. Here’s all you need to know about the new rule:
Why was the IPL season suspended?
The IPL season was suspended due to cross-border India-Pakistan tensions. It resumes on a rearranged schedule on Saturday (May 17), following this suspension.
What prompted the need for temporary replacement players in the rescheduled season?
The new dates for the rearranged season created calendar clashes for some players, leading to the withdrawal of a handful of players who could not return to India for the remainder of the season.
How did the IPL regulations regarding replacement players change for the resumed season?
Normally, IPL regulations only allow teams to sign replacements for illness or injury up to their 12th match. However, for the remainder of the rearranged season, the league allowed teams to sign temporary replacements for players who are unavailable for various reasons, even if the unavailability wasn’t due to illness or injury occurring during the season.
What is the key restriction on temporary replacement players signed after the suspension?
Temporary replacement players signed after the suspension of the league are not eligible for retention by their franchise ahead of the following season’s auction.
Can temporary replacement players signed after the suspension participate in the next IPL season?
Yes, temporary replacement players signed after the suspension can participate in the next IPL season, but they will have to register for the IPL Player Auction in 2026 to be potentially picked up by a franchise.
What were some examples of players who withdrew, leading to the need for replacements?
Examples of players who withdrew due to the new dates include Jake Fraser-McGurk from Delhi Capitals and Jamie Overton from Chennai Super Kings.