The newly revised dates of the IPL 2025 season have put certain overseas players in a limbo as they will be asked to choose between club and country.
Due to the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan at the border, the cash-rich league was suspended for 1 week.
IPL action resumes on 17 May, but the schedule was pushed ahead by seven days, and subsequently, it will clash with international cricket.
As many as 8 South African players, 3 England players and two West Indies players could miss out on the IPL 2025 playoffs entirely.
According to the original schedule the IPL 2025 was set to conclude on 25 May, all major cricket boards had provided their NOCs to players based on those dates, but with IPL’s rejigged schedule, the playoffs will clash with international cricket and players are likely to return back to international duty.
CSA want players back on 26 May deadline
South Africa is due to face Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final from 11 June. To prepare for the summit clash, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has issued an ultimatum that all players must report back by 26 May.
8 South African players are plying their trade in IPL were named in the WTC final squad.
Proteas men’s coach Shukri Conrad stated, “The initial agreement with the IPL and the BCCI was with the final being on the (May) 25th, our players would return on the 26th, so that it allows them ample time before we fly out on the 30th. Nothing has changed from our perspective.”
3 England players, 2 West Indies stars in limbo
England and West Indies are set to play a three-match ODI series, which starts on May 29. Jos Buttler (GT), Jacob Bethell (RCB) and Will Jacks (MI) have been named in England’s 16-member squad, while Romario Shepherd (RCB) and Sherfane Rutherford (GT) were named in the West Indies ODI team.
While the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will expect its trio of players to priorities national duty over IPL commitments.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) may allow Rutherford and Shepherd to stay back in India until their franchises’ season gets over.