IPL 2025: How teams could line up without overseas stars

The week-long suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan has been lifted, and the tournament is all set to resume on May 17. However, one of the biggest challenges for franchises will be the availability of overseas players. Several foreign players might not return for various reasons—including national duty (such as the World Test Championship Final), injuries, or security concerns.

Can IPL teams replace players leaving for international duty?

Yes, but with restrictions. Teams are allowed to sign replacements for players unavailable due to injury or national duty, but only up to their 12th league match.

#TATAIPL is back in action on 17th May 🗓

With the playoff race heating up, which fixture are you most excited for? 🙌

Check out the full schedule 🔽 pic.twitter.com/OoRlYEpAUb

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 14, 2025

With limited overseas options, teams may be forced to reshuffle their lineups. Here's a look at which overseas stars could be missing from the IPL 2025 teams still in contention for the playoffs:

Gujarat Titans (GT) – 16 Points

Best possible finish: 22 points

Remaining matches: vs DC, vs LSG, vs CSK

Foreign players who could miss:

Jos Buttler – Unclear: Part of England’s ODI squad; return during the playoffs is doubtful.

Kagiso Rabada – Unclear: Named in South Africa’s WTC Final squad; warm-up games overlap with IPL playoffs.

Rashid Khan – Available: No upcoming international fixtures for Afghanistan.

POV: It’s been a 𝑆𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟 training session! 🤌 pic.twitter.com/TAhfWzJYqF

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) May 14, 2025

Led by Shubman Gill, Gujarat Titans need just one win to secure a spot in the playoffs. With three matches remaining, they are well-positioned not only to qualify but also to contend for a Top 2 finish.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – 16 Points

Best possible finish: 22 points

Remaining matches: vs KKR, vs SRH, vs LSG

Foreign players who could miss:

Josh Hazlewood – Unavailable: Shoulder issue and part of Australia's WTC Final squad. 

Phil Salt – Available: Only in England's T20I squad; expected to stay until the end of the IPL. 

Jacob Bethell – Unavailable: Selected in England's ODI and T20I squads. 

Romario Shepherd – Unavailable: Part of West Indies' ODI squad.

It's business as usual for our think tank. 🧠

Vision reset for the challenges ahead! 👀👊#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/pTDdszhcJy

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 14, 2025

Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB need just one more win to secure a spot in the Top 4. With two home games remaining, they could even push for a top-two finish.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 15 Points 

Best possible finish: 21 points 

Remaining matches: vs RR, vs DC, vs MI 

Foreign players who could miss: 

Marcus Stoinis – Available: Expected to stay on after the ceasefire. 

Marco Jansen – Unclear: Named in South Africa’s WTC Final squad. 

Reunited and ready to dominate! 💪 pic.twitter.com/1SxihhedUh

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 14, 2025

PBKS need to win two of their remaining three games to secure what would be their first playoff berth in over a decade.   

Mumbai Indians (MI) – 14 Points 

Best possible finish: 18 points 

Remaining matches: vs GT, vs PBKS, vs DC 

Foreign players who could miss: 

Ryan Rickelton – Unclear: Named in South Africa's WTC Final squad 

Corbin Bosch – Unclear: Named in South Africa's WTC Final squad 

Will Jacks – Unavailable: Selected in England's ODI squad 

𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 ➡ 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 🤜🤛#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai pic.twitter.com/2EThR4BPyM

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 14, 2025

After a slow start to the season, Hardik Pandya's team had begun to build momentum. However, their recent defeat has put them on the back foot. With only three games left, another loss could end their hopes of making the playoffs. 

Delhi Capitals (DC) – 13 Points 

Best possible finish: 19 points 

Remaining matches: vs GT, vs MI, vs PBKS 

Foreign players who could miss: 

Mitchell Starc – Unavailable: Part of Australia's WTC squad; also cited personal and security concerns 

Tristan Stubbs – Unclear: Named in South Africa's WTC squad 

Faf du Plessis – Available: Not currently part of South Africa's national setup 

A little bit of KD is all we need 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/WiOw3KDy5Y

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 14, 2025

Led by Axar Patel, they must win all three of their remaining matches to surpass the 18-point playoff cutoff. Any slip-up could derail their hopes of qualifying for the Playoffs. 

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 11 Points 

Best possible finish: 15 points 

Remaining matches: vs CSK, vs RCB, vs SRH 

Foreign players who could miss: 

Spencer Johnson – Unclear: Not currently in Australia's WTC squad but could be called up as cover 

Timed to perfection ft. 𝑷𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒚 𝒋𝒊 💥 pic.twitter.com/vay1vLQqoj

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 14, 2025

KKR's playoff hopes are slim—they must win all remaining games, hope PBKS lose all three, and DC beat PBKS but lose their other matches. 

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – 10 Points 

Best possible finish: 16 points 

Remaining matches: vs SRH, vs GT, vs RCB 

Foreign players who could miss: 

Nicholas Pooran – Available: Not in West Indies' ODI squad 

Aiden Markram – Unclear: Named in South Africa's WTC squad 

Dewald Brevis – Available: Not in South Africa’s WTC squad 

Juyal’s got JL hooked 💥 pic.twitter.com/fqNPQH2UGP

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) May 14, 2025

Rishabh Pant's team must win all their remaining matches to stay in the playoff race and will need favourable results from other teams to keep their hopes alive.