The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) resumes after a week-long postponement due to rising military tensions between India and Pakistan. Three franchises have announced major replacements amidst a string of withdrawals. With a ceasefire formally declared on Saturday last week, the BCCI unveiled an amended schedule that extends the tournament’s conclusion to June 3, presenting new logistical challenges for teams attempting to maintain full-strength rosters.
Mayank Yadav’s Injury Forces Lucknow Super Giants to Seek Replacement for IPL 2025
Lucknow Super Giants announced one of the biggest omissions of the season by sidelining pace phenomenon Mayank Yadav due to a back injury. The news disappointed Indian cricket enthusiasts, as he had only recently returned to play after a long injury layoff.
Having lost almost a month of IPL 2025 due to a back problem, the pace pacer returned on April 27 but could only play two matches before the injury recurred. New Zealand pace bowler William O’Rourke has been recruited as his replacement for INR 3 crore.
Punjab Kings, in the meanwhile, have recruited another Kiwi seamer, Kyle Jamieson, to replace the injured Lockie Ferguson. The all-rounder signs up with PBKS for INR 2 crore, with the franchise one of the leading contenders to make the playoffs.
Gujarat Titans Replace Jos Buttler with Kusal Mendis in IPL 2025
Gujarat Titans have had to cope with another type of unavailability. With Jos Buttler leaving on May 26 to join national commitments after GT’s last league match against Chennai Super Kings a day earlier, the team has recruited Sri Lankan wicket-keeper batter Kusal Mendis as a like-for-like replacement for INR 75 lakh, Mendis will be available from May 26 onwards.
Delhi Capitals Add Mustafizur Rahman as Mid-Tournament Replacement
On Wednesday, the Delhi Capitals announced signing Mustafizur Rahman in place of Jake Fraser-McGurk, after the Australian withdrew from the tournament. The long IPL window, which now coincides with multiple teams’ preparation camps and bilateral series, has witnessed a rising tide of foreign stars becoming unavailable due to either safety concerns or international obligations.
Apart from Fraser-McGurk, Mitchell Starc too is not likely to play for Delhi Capitals for the rest of the season. The BCCI had previously stated that it will permit mid-tournament replacements and rolling squad submissions in the wake of the situation.
