IPL 2025 Resumes on May 17: After a tense and unexpected pause owing to rising border tensions, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is all set to resume on Saturday, May 17. Most overseas players—barring a few Australian stars—are preparing to return for the final stretch of league games. The return of key names like Pat Cummins, Jos Buttler, and Travis Head has infused fresh energy into franchises still vying for a place in the playoffs.
Among the first to confirm his comeback is Pat Cummins, Australia’s red-ball skipper and the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Despite Australia’s crucial World Test Championship (WTC) Final scheduled at Lord’s on June 11, Cummins has opted to complete his IPL commitments. His compatriot and fellow SRH opener, Travis Head, will also rejoin the team. With SRH out of playoff contention, both players will participate in the team’s final two matches—against Lucknow Super Giants on May 19 and Kolkata Knight Riders on May 25—before returning to Australia.
Cricket Australia (CA) is allowing its players to make individual decisions regarding their participation. “CA will support players in their individual decisions whether to return to India or not,” the board said in a statement. CA’s CEO Todd Greenberg confirmed ongoing communication with all IPL-bound Australian cricketers, saying, “They are all making their decisions tonight. I think many will return.”
Out of the 16 Australians initially part of IPL 2025, some like Glenn Maxwell and Josh Hazlewood had to withdraw earlier due to injury. Hazlewood, representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru, will not return, as confirmed by the franchise. However, RCB expects the rest of their overseas roster—including Liam Livingstone, Lungi Ngidi, and Nuwan Thushara—to be available.
The Gujarat Titans, one of the top contenders for the playoffs, have confirmed full availability of their foreign stars. South African pacers Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee are set to feature in the remaining league games. Rabada had remained in India during the break, while Coetzee is scheduled to arrive on May 14. A spokesperson for Cricket South Africa noted, “This will be addressed by the Director of National Teams and High Performance, Enoch Nkwe. I’ll revert with the update ASAP.”
England’s Jos Buttler, who has been in stellar form this season and ranks among the top five run-scorers, is also en route to Ahmedabad and will rejoin Rajasthan Royals within 24 hours.
However, not all players are on board. Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who plays for Kolkata Knight Riders, is reportedly unsettled by the recent off-field events. Starc, along with other Australians from Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, was caught in a long 10-hour journey from Dharamsala to New Delhi following the May 8 match suspension. According to sources, Jake Fraser-McGurk of DC was particularly disturbed by the ordeal and is unlikely to return.
Still, Delhi Capitals remain hopeful, with overseas players like Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs expected to complete the season. DC remains in playoff contention and is banking on these experienced players to carry the momentum forward.
Punjab Kings are facing uncertainty over the availability of Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis. Both players are part of Australia’s squad for the WTC Final, and while CA has shown flexibility, PBKS hasn’t received final confirmation from either player. However, the rest of the overseas contingent in the PBKS camp is expected to return.
Chennai Super Kings, who are also out of the playoff race, have left the decision to their overseas players. Most, including Devon Conway, have agreed to return, while Rachin Ravindra’s availability is still unconfirmed.
Interestingly, several non-Australian overseas players have been vacationing in Dubai, Singapore, and the Maldives during the break. According to franchise sources, most are expected to return by May 15 or 16. The Kolkata Knight Riders management is confident their international players will be available, while Mumbai Indians have chosen not to reveal much due to strategic concerns.
As the IPL 2025 resumes, franchises will aim to stabilize their combinations in a tight window before the playoffs begin on May 28. With top-tier overseas talent back in the mix, fans can expect high-octane cricket as teams fight for the final playoff berths.
