Typically, the Indian Premier League (IPL) does not overlap with the major international cricket series. However, the unprecedented suspension in IPL 2025 has changed everything.
The IPL 2025 is now set for June 3 with the final, after a week’s suspension due to the Indo-Pakistan border tension, the expansion of the tournament has created a crisis of availability for many franchises that are much more dependent on foreign talents. The new window declared by the BCCI after a temporary ceasefire struggles with international commitments – mostly, against the World Test Championship (WTC) final and against the ODI series of England against the West Indies.
International calendar clash with IPL Business and
Generally, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is not a major international series. Apart from Pakistan, the Federation, overseeing the scheduling and allows its players to participate in the world’s richest T20 franchise tournament. IPL 2025 also had no problem until an unprecedented suspension occurred.
Australia and South Africa are set to compete with the WTC final at Lord’s from 11–15 June. Major Australian players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Travis Head, all of whom were in the IPL – are now in line for Test duty. It is difficult for him to compromise in the preparation of the WTC final as it will be the biggest test of the year, and another occasion is to add another ICC title to his magnificent cabinet.
The same also goes to South Africa, which may not allow the choice of Cagiso Rabada, Ryan Ricelton, Corbin Bosch, Enrich Nortze and Garald Koetzi Play. Triston Stabs is another major player. Meanwhile, England’s White-Ball Squad will face West Indies on three Odis (May 29, June 1 and June 3), overlapping with IPL playoffs directly.
Franchises stare at major absences
Uncertainty around NOCs – continuously given till 25 May – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBK), and Franchisee like Gujarat Titans (GT) can be the most difficult to hit. For example, RCB may lose its entire foreign core before the playoffs.
Foreign players who can miss IPL 2025
| Franchise | Probably absent | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| RCB | Hazelwood, NGD, Shepherd, Salt, Bethel, Livingstone | WTC Prep, Eng vs Wi Odis |
| PBKS | Jansen, England, Stoinis | WTC Prep, Travel Ban |
| Mi | Ricelton, Bosch | WTC Prep (SA Player) |
| GT | Jose Butler, Rutherford, Rabada, Koetzi | Eng Odis vs Wi, WTC Prep (SA Players) |
| SRH | Cummins, head | WTC Prep |
| DC | Stark, Stabs | WTC Prep, AUS Return unarmed |
| KKR | Nortje | WTC Prep |
Even the IPL prepares to resume with RCB facing KKR in Bengaluru on 17 May, the franchises are working overtime to confirm the return of their foreign players. The ECB of England had allowed the IPL stints to expand before the auction – but with a direct confrontation with the first series of domestic season with the new schedule, one is likely to be reversed. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia (CA) has left the ball in the players’ court. Playoff claimants potentially snatched their match-winners, the final stage of IPL 2025 could see a weak sports ground.
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