The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to allow franchises to bring in temporary replacement players for the concluding matches of the rescheduled 2025 season. However, these temporary players will not be eligible for retention in the squad for the next season’s auction.
The IPL will get back underway on Saturday following its suspension owing to tensions between India and Pakistan. This rescheduling has led to calendar conflicts for some players. Although most international players are returning to India, a few, like Jake Fraser-McGurk from Delhi Capitals and Jamie Overton of Chennai Super Kings, have opted out.
Under existing rules, franchises could sign replacement players in cases of illness or injury up to the team’s 12th match. The league has now altered these regulations to allow temporary players for the end of the shifted season. Yet, any replacements brought in post-suspension will not be eligible for retention, aiming to ensure teams aren’t using this rule to bypass the auction system.
“The IPL has reassessed the replacement rules,” the league explained in a memo to the franchises. “Due to the unavailability of some foreign players because of national commitments, personal reasons, or injury or illness, Temporary Replacement Players will be allowed until the tournament’s conclusion.”
The IPL further stated, “Temporary Replacement players taken from now will not be eligible for retention next year and must register for the IPL Player Auction 2026.”
Replacements that were approved before the suspension retain their eligibility for next season’s retention. Just before the suspension, four players were signed: Sediqullah Atal (Delhi Capitals), Mayank Agarwal (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), and Lhuan-dre Pretorius along with Nandre Burger (both Rajasthan Royals).
About the Author:
Matt Roller is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. Follow him on Twitter @mroller98.
