In a major development ahead of the resumption of IPL 2025, the BCCI has brought about a change of rule for the remainder of the season.
The IPL 2025 resumes on May 17 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the first game in Bengaluru.
The BCCI had previously announced the postponement of the league for one week on May 9. However, after the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, the BCCI has now said that they will be resuming the league.
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IPL Allows Temporary Replacements For Remaining Games
One of the major problems several franchises are facing are the availability of their overseas players. Several players have backed out from the remaining league, while a few have backed out due to personal reasons. A few overseas cricketers have been kept busy by international commitments as well.
Given the dearth of availability of players in the final leg of the tournament, the BCCI has announced that they will be allowing the teams the option to pick temporary replacements, having assessed the options at the given time.
"Due to non-availability of certain players due to national commitment or personal reasons, or injury or illness, Temporary Replacement Players will be allowed until the conclusion of this tournament," IPL COO Hemang said in an email to the franchise.
"This decision is subject to the condition that the Temporary Replacement taken from this point forward will not be eligible for retention in the following year. Temporary Replacement Players will have to register for the IPL Player Auction 2026" Amin further wrote in his email.
The league further confirmed that players who were signed as replacements before the league's suspension will remain eligible for retention ahead of next season. Four players were signed in the 48 hours before suspension: Sediqullah Atal (Delhi Capitals), Mayank Agarwal (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Nandre Burger (both Rajasthan Royals).
"The replacements which were approved or taken before the suspended period will be eligible for retention ahead of 2026 player auction," Amin added saying in his email.
He further said in his statement that the decision was arrived at after the situation was reassessed following the sudden postponement of the IPL and the unavailability of the overseas players as a result of that.
"However, in the current situation, where we had to temporarily suspend IPL 2025, resulting in its completion beyond the earlier set-out date of May 25, 2025, we have reassessed the Replacement Player provisions."
Also Read: IPL 2025: Raghu Sharma Joins MI Squad as Replacement for Injured Vignesh Puthur Ahead of RR Game
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Mustafizur Rahman Joins Delhi Capitals
The latest player to join the league as a temporary replacement was Mustafizur Rahman, who replaced Jake Fraser-McGurk in the side.
"McGurk has opted to leave from the remainder of the IPL due to personal reasons. Many more such replacements are expected," the BCCI said.
Also Read: Bad news for DC as Mitchell Starc unlikely to return for possible IPL 2025 restart
