The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will start in four days. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wants the world’s best T20 tournament to end with a bang after being halted for a few days. But it may not be possible. That’s because foreign players, who often add an extra charm, might not return.
From NOCs (no objection certificates) to fear of safety due to what transpired last week is all playing a part. Some cricketers have confirmed they’ll come, but that isn’t the case for all. The BCCI are currently talking with other cricket boards and hope all of the overseas players return.
“We have been speaking to the foreign boards individually while players are directly dealing with their players. We expect the majority of them to return,” a BCCI official told PTI.
CSK: New Zealand players in doubt
- Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Dewald Brevis, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana
There is a little doubt over Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra returning, but every other foreign player for Chennai Super Kings is expected to come back. Jamie Overton has been picked for England’s white-ball series against the West Indies, but he’ll be done in IPL 2025 by then.
“The revised schedule was announced last night. We have just started contacting our foreign players about their availability. We will have a clearer picture by tomorrow morning. Anyway, our game is on May 20. We have enough time,” said CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan.
PBKS: Marcus Stoinis & Josh Inglis out?
- Josh Inglis, Mitchell Owen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Aaron Hardie, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Marcus Stoinis, Lockie Ferguson
Stoinis and Inglis aren’t certain to return for Punjab Kings (PBKS), and head coach Ricky Ponting is trying hard to convince them. The good news is that all the others are expected to come to India for the remaining matches. Support staff members Brad Haddin and James Hope never went back home.
“The foreign players were scared at that time, and understandably so. The BCCI showed the safety of the players is paramount by ensuring they all got back home safely. Now that the situation has gotten better, the players should return. However, some of them still remain on the edge,” said an IPL official.
SRH: Cummins & Head to return
- Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins, Kamindu Mendis, Wiaan Mulder, Eshan Malinga
There was some doubt regarding Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Cummins returning to India. But it turns out he’s ready to come back. Not just him but Head is in as well.
“We are confident that the majority of foreign players will return, including the captain,” said a team official.
DC: Will Starc return? Stubbs out due to WTC Final?
- Mitchell Starc, Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sediqullah Atal, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira, Dushmantha Chameera
The Delhi Capitals (DC) have contacted their foreign players. But given the account Alyssa Healy gave about their Dharamshala experience, it seems unlikely that Mitchell Starc will return. He’s got to play the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 as well. Tristan Stubbs falls in the same boat as well. He might return but may have to fly back soon.
“The initial agreement with the IPL and BCCI, with the final being on the 25th, players would return on the 26th. Nothing has changed from our perspective; that is the ongoing conversation. As it stands, we want our players back on the 26th. Hopefully that comes to fruition,” South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad told reporters today.
RCB: Bethell & Ngidi in doubt
- Phil Salt, Tim David, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Liam Livingstone, Josh Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi, Nuwan Thushara
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) might lose Jacob Bethell, Lungi Ngidi and Josh Hazlewood. Bethell is set to play against the West Indies from May 29 onwards. Lungi is coming to India, but South Africa might call him back by May 26. Hazlewood is allegedly injured and isn’t expected to return.
“We’re keen to support the IPL and the BCCI in getting the schedule up and running and to facilitate players’ return should they choose to go back. No Objection Certificates have been granted based on the original IPL dates, so we’ll need to review any potential extensions, particularly in relation to any clash with the final white-ball squad,” an ECB spokesperson said.
MI: 4 players out before IPL 2025 Playoffs?
- Ryan Rickelton, Corbin Bosch, Trent Boult, Bevon Jacobs, Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Reece Topley
Mumbai Indians (MI) have two South African players, Rickelton and Bosch, who might leave by May 26. Jacks is set to play against the West Indies, and it’s unsure whether Kiwi players (Santner) will return.
KKR: Doubt over QDK, Moeen & Spencer
- Quinton de Kock, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rovman Powell, Rahmatullah Gurbaz, Moeen Ali, Spencer Johnson, Anrich Nortje
As per ESPNcricinfo, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) aren’t sure whether Quinton de Kock, Spencer Johnson or Moeen Ali will come back. The others will join them.
The post Will foreign players return for IPL 2025? CSK, PBKS, SRH & DC provide update appeared first on Inside Sport India.