IPL 2025 Restart: Tracking the Return of the Foreign Contingent
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IPL 2025 Restart: Tracking the Return of the Foreign Contingent

After a tense nine-day pause, the Indian Premier League is finally set to return this weekend, following a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. With the situation easing, most overseas players are expected to return for the business end of the tournament — though not everyone is packing their bags just yet.

Understandably, some players are still hesitant, considering the recent hostilities. But for many others, the real challenge is juggling international duties. The West Indies’ tour of England and the high-stakes World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa — which starts June 11 — are both just around the corner, making the IPL’s final stages a scheduling nightmare for some. To ease concerns and smooth things over, BCCI has asked IPL COO Hemang Amin to personally reach out to cricket boards like Cricket Australia (CA) and the ECB.  

CA, for its part, has left the decision up to the players, while also bringing in their players’ association to support individual choices. Meanwhile, The ECB has already told its players to report back in time for the first ODI at Edgbaston later this month. Despite that, team officials are cautiously optimistic. While some overseas players remain on edge, most are expected to return in time for the resumption of the league.  

Pat Cummins and Travis Head have already confirmed they’ll be back for at least two matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad — although SRH is already out of the playoff race. Over at Punjab Kings, Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis may not return at all, even as coach Ricky Ponting had to de-board a flight home after the ceasefire was declared. PBKS support staff, including Brad Haddin and James Hopes, remained in India throughout. Delhi Capitals are unlikely to see Jake Fraser-McGurk or Mitchell Starc back. And while playoff-chasing teams like Gujarat Titans, RCB, and Mumbai Indians are sweating over their overseas rosters, many of their foreign stars — including Liam Livingstone, Lungi Ngidi, and Nuwan Thushara — are expected to rejoin shortly. 

Jofra Archer’s stint with Rajasthan Royals is set to wrap up before England’s ODI series, while Chennai Super Kings are awaiting the return of Matheesha Pathirana and Afghanistan's Noor Ahmad. CSK may, however, be without New Zealanders Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. South Africa, meanwhile, named their squad for the WTC final, which includes eight IPL players. While the board hasn’t officially confirmed their availability for the playoffs, word is they’re expecting their stars back by May 26 — the original date scheduled for the IPL final — to focus fully on WTC preparations. 

Kolkata Knight Riders are likely to get their overseas players back, and the West Indian trio of Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Rovman Powell, along with coach Dwayne Bravo, have already resumed training with the team. Mumbai Indians are also set to return to full strength by Wednesday. It’s been a chaotic stretch, but as things stand, fans can expect a dramatic finish to the IPL — with most of the overseas stars back on the field, just in time. 

Also Read: RCB to Felicitate Virat Kohli on May 17 at Chinnaswamy for His Legendary Test Career

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