IPL 2025 Resumes with Updated Player Replacement Rules After Suspension Due to India-Pakistan Tensions
The IPL 2025 season is set to resume this Saturday following a temporary suspension triggered by rising cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. While the revised schedule brings excitement back to fans, it also poses challenges for teams, especially with player availability and squad management.
Several Foreign Players Withdraw Amid Calendar Clashes
Most overseas players are returning to India to complete the remainder of the IPL season. However, a few international stars have officially withdrawn due to scheduling conflicts and national commitments. Jake Fraser-McGurk (Delhi Capitals) and Jamie Overton (Chennai Super Kings) are among those who will not return.
IPL Makes Key Changes to Player Replacement Regulations
To address the availability crunch, the IPL Governing Council has announced a crucial policy update. Previously, franchises could only sign injury or illness-based replacements up to their 12th match of the season. Now, in light of the disruption, temporary replacement players will be allowed through the remainder of the season, regardless of match count.
📝 Note from IPL: “Given the non-availability of certain foreign players due to national commitments, personal reasons, or medical issues, Temporary Replacement Players will be allowed until the conclusion of this tournament.”
Key Clause: No Retention for Temporary Replacements in IPL 2026
The IPL emphasized that any temporary replacement player signed after the suspension will not be eligible for retention in the IPL 2026 season. These players will have to re-register for the IPL Player Auction 2026 if they wish to participate next year.
This move is intended to prevent teams from exploiting the replacement rule as a loophole to bypass the official auction process.
âś… However, replacements approved before the suspension are still eligible for retention.
Pre-Suspension Replacements Eligible for 2026 Retention
Four players were signed in the 48 hours leading up to the suspension of IPL 2025, and these signings remain valid for next season’s retention rules:
- Sediqullah Atal – Delhi Capitals
- Mayank Agarwal – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius – Rajasthan Royals
- Nandre Burger – Rajasthan Royals
