Due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Premier League (IPL) Season 18 was temporarily suspended on May 9th due to security concerns.
Sports News: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has taken a new turn. The IPL was previously suspended due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, but the BCCI has now announced that the remaining matches will resume from May 17th. The playoff race this season is incredibly exciting, but several teams are concerned about the availability of their foreign players.
Many foreign players are hesitant to return to India due to their national commitments, while others have indicated their willingness to return. Let's examine the situation for each team and which players might return:
Gujarat Titans Face a Potential Setback
A major reason for the Gujarat Titans' success has been the outstanding performance of their foreign players. However, the team is uncertain about the return of key players like Jos Buttler, Gerald Coetzee, and Kagiso Rabada. The England and South Africa boards have instructed their players to be prepared for international commitments, making their return to India difficult. However, Rashid Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, and Karim Janat have confirmed their return.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Narine and Russell to Return, but Uncertainty Remains Over Gurbaz
The May 17th match is crucial for KKR. West Indies players Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Romerio Shepherd are currently in Dubai and are reportedly prepared to return to India. However, Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz is currently in his home country, and his return is uncertain. Anrich Nortje may join the team directly from the Maldives.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Concerns over Klassen and Cummins
Sunrisers' situation is somewhat complicated. Players like Heinrich Klassen, Kamindu Mendis, and Wiaan Mulder are uncertain about their return. Captain Pat Cummins and Travis Head are part of the WTC Final team, making their return highly unlikely. However, as the team is out of the playoff race, their absence won't directly impact their standings.
Punjab Kings: Hope for the Return of Australian Players
There's good news for Punjab Kings, as Cricket Australia has allowed its players to return to the IPL. Mitchell Owen, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Jhye Richardson may return to India. However, there is still uncertainty regarding the return of Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, and Josh Inglis, as they are part of the WTC Final team. Coach Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin may also join the team.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Hazlewood and Ngidi's Return Questionable
For RCB, the absence of fast bowler Josh Hazlewood could be a significant blow. He is not fully recovered from an injury and is preparing to play in the WTC Final. Jacob Bethell is in the England ODI squad, and Romario Shepherd's availability is also doubtful. The team heavily relies on its foreign bowlers to reach the playoffs.
Delhi Capitals: Questions over Starc and McGurk's Return
Mitchell Starc's return for Delhi is considered almost impossible. There are also questions surrounding the return of Jake Fraser-McGurk. Tristan Stubbs is only available until the league stage. This means Delhi will have to rely on its Indian players for the remaining matches.
Mumbai Indians: Some Foreign Players Will Stay, Others Won't
For Mumbai Indians, Afghanistan's Mujeeb Ur Rahman is good news, as he is already in India and will play the remaining matches. However, there is uncertainty regarding the return of Ryan Rickelton, Corbin Bosch, and Will Jacks. South Africa has called up its players until May 26th, and the England team is also about to depart.
