The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, with the tournament suspended for a week due to India-Pakistan border tensions, as announced by the BCCI on May 9, 2025. Now, as the league prepares to resume on May 17, a new challenge looms: several overseas players may not return, leaving fans and teams on edge. From Australian stars prioritizing the World Test Championship (WTC) final to others facing scheduling conflicts, this shake-up could reshape the IPL’s final stretch. Let’s dive into the list of players who might miss out, what it means for your favorite teams, and how you can stay updated as the drama unfolds!
Why Are Players Leaving? The Bigger Picture
The IPL 2025 season, which began on March 22, was paused after a match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was abandoned due to security concerns on May 8. With a ceasefire now in place, the BCCI has scheduled the remaining 16 matches (12 league games and 4 playoffs) to start on May 17, with the final moved to June 3 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. However, the timing clashes with international commitments, especially for Australian players, who are gearing up for the WTC final at Lord’s on June 11. Cricket Australia has stated it will support players who choose to prioritize national duties over the IPL, according to reports from Rediff Cricket.
Additionally, posts on X highlight concerns from other nations, with players from South Africa, England, and New Zealand also facing tough choices due to national team schedules. This uncertainty could impact team strategies, especially for franchises relying on overseas talent. Want to follow the IPL’s revised schedule? Check out the latest updates on ESPNcricinfo.
Players Who Might Not Return: The Full List
Here’s a rundown of the overseas stars who may not return for the IPL’s resumption, based on recent reports and social media buzz:
1. Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals)
The Australian pacer, bought for ₹24.75 crore in the 2024 auction, is unlikely to return, as per posts on X and a report from DNA India. Starc’s focus is on the WTC final, and Cricket Australia’s stance gives him the green light to skip the IPL. His absence could weaken DC’s bowling attack, especially after his fiery performances earlier in the season.
2. Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Another Aussie star, Hazlewood, is doubtful due to the same WTC commitments, according to ESPNcricinfo. RCB fans are worried—Hazlewood’s pace and accuracy have been crucial, and his absence might dent their playoff hopes, especially after a strong season where RCB climbed to the top of the points table with a +0.521 NRR (per Hindustan Times).
3. Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
The SRH captain and Australian pace spearhead is also likely to prioritize the WTC final. Cummins has been a game-changer for SRH, both with the ball and as a leader. Without him, SRH might struggle to maintain their momentum in the crucial final league matches.
4. Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Head, another Australian, has been a batting powerhouse for SRH. His aggressive starts at the top have set the tone for many SRH victories. If he opts out, SRH will need to rethink their batting strategy—potentially giving younger players like Abhishek Sharma a bigger role.
5. Jos Buttler (Gujarat Titans)
The English white-ball captain, known for his explosive batting, might not return due to England’s upcoming international fixtures. Buttler’s absence would be a blow to GT, who are leading the points table with 16 points from 11 matches and a +0.793 NRR (per Sportstar).
6. Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings)
The South African all-rounder has been a key player for PBKS with his pace and lower-order hitting. However, posts on X suggest he might not return due to national commitments, leaving PBKS to find a replacement in their bowling lineup.
7. Mitchell Marsh (Lucknow Super Giants)
Marsh, another Australian, is likely to skip the IPL’s remainder to prepare for the WTC final. LSG will miss his all-round skills, especially in the death overs, where his power-hitting has turned games around.
8. Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
The South African wicketkeeper-batsman, known for his brutal hitting, might also miss out due to international duties. Klaasen’s absence would be a massive loss for SRH, especially in the middle overs where he’s been a consistent finisher.
9. Mujeeb Ur Rahman & Reece Topley (Mumbai Indians)
The Afghan spinner and English pacer are rumored to be unavailable, according to X posts. MI, who are eyeing the playoffs, will need to rely on their bench strength—potentially giving opportunities to young Indian talents like Arjun Tendulkar.
10. Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals)
Archer’s return to the IPL was a highlight, but England’s schedule might pull him away. RR will feel the heat without his express pace, especially in the playoffs, where every match counts.
What This Means for IPL Teams and Fans
The potential exit of these players could shake up the IPL 2025 points table and playoff race. Teams like SRH (losing Cummins, Head, and Klaasen) and DC (without Starc) might struggle to maintain their form, while others like Gujarat Titans (without Buttler) will need to adapt quickly. On the flip side, this opens doors for Indian players to step up—think of it as a chance for uncapped talents to shine!
For fans, it’s a bittersweet moment. While you might miss seeing global stars, the IPL has always been a platform for new heroes to emerge. Plus, the BCCI has assured that franchises won’t face sanctions if overseas players opt out, as reported by Livemint, so teams can focus on rebuilding without penalties.
How to Stay in the Loop
With the IPL resuming soon, here’s how you can keep up:
- Follow Live Scores: Catch every ball on Cricbuzz.
- Check the Points Table: See who’s leading on Sportstar.
- Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on X using #IPL2025—what do you think about these player exits?
- Fantasy Cricket Fans: Adjust your teams on apps like Dream11, as player availability might change.
What’s Next for IPL 2025?
The IPL is set to resume on May 17, with matches spread across various venues in India (Dharamsala won’t host further games due to security concerns). The final, originally planned for May 25, is now on June 3 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. With 12 league matches and 4 playoff games left, every point counts—especially for teams like RCB and GT, who are in pole position but might lose key players.
This IPL season has already been historic, with Rishabh Pant becoming the most expensive player ever at ₹27 crore (bought by Lucknow Super Giants) and 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi making waves as the youngest player sold (to Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.1 crore). Will the absence of overseas stars create new legends? Only time will tell!
What are your thoughts—will your team survive without these players? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear from you! For more IPL updates, visit The Times of India Cricket Section.