Teams in Shock as BCCI Drops New Player Rule Ahead of IPL 2025 Restart
BCCI allows temporary replacements in IPL 2025, but they can't be retained for next season.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a major change in the player replacement rule ahead of the IPL 2025 restart. As per a report by ESPNcricinfo, IPL teams will now be allowed to sign temporary replacement players for the remaining part of the season, but with a catch — these players will not be eligible for retention ahead of the next IPL auction.
Temporary Replacements Allowed, But No Retention
According to the memo shared with franchises, the league made this change considering the unavailability of several overseas players due to national duties or personal reasons. Some players like Jake Fraser-McGurk (Delhi Capitals) and Jamie Overton (Chennai Super Kings) have already opted out of the remainder of IPL 2025.
The rule earlier allowed replacements only in case of injuries or illnesses that occurred before or during a team’s first 12 matches. But now, to ensure all teams have enough players, the IPL has relaxed this and will allow temporary replacements until the tournament ends.
The IPL informed teams:
“Given the non-availability of certain foreign players due to national commitments or personal reasons or any injury or illness, Temporary Replacement Players will be allowed until the conclusion of this tournament.”
However, the BCCI made it clear that players brought in as temporary replacements will not be eligible for retention in the next season. These players must re-enter the pool through the IPL 2026 auction.
Players Signed Before Suspension Still Retainable
The memo also added that players signed before the one-week suspension of the IPL 2025 season will not be affected by this rule and remain eligible for retention. This includes four players signed just before the break —
- Sediqullah Atal (Delhi Capitals)
- Mayank Agarwal (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Rajasthan Royals)
- Nandre Burger (Rajasthan Royals)
The IPL 2025 season, which was paused due to tensions between India and Pakistan, will now resume on May 17 and end on June 3. With teams adjusting their squads, this new rule is likely to impact how franchises manage their player strategies going forward.
