With IPL (Indian Premier League) 2025 suspended due to border tensions between India and Pakistan, there are doubts over the league’s resumption.
The tournament was stopped midway, with most overseas players, including several from Australia, England, and South Africa, returning home.
Though a ceasefire came into effect on May 10, allowing the BCCI to consider resuming the league around May 15, there is a chance that players from England and Australia might not return. With only 16 matches left, including four playoffs, and the World Test Championship final around the corner, national boards may hesitate to send their players again. This might create opportunities for cricketers from other countries to fill the void. These nations have a pool of talented T20 players who could be reliable mid-season signings.
Here are three countries whose players will be in demand if Australia and England players don’t return for IPL 2025:
3. Sri Lanka
Historically, Sri Lankan cricketers have had a strong IPL performance over the years. Legendary cricketers like Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Lasith Malinga have all had a significant role to play over the past 18 editions. The new stars like Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana have also been crucial for their respective franchisees in important games. This year, eight Sri Lankan players earned IPL contracts and have had decent outings.
Despite this, several Lankan names like Pathum Nissanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Dilshan Madushanka went unsold. However, with their international experience and ability to perform in subcontinent conditions, they can fill the shoes of the overseas players. The Sri Lankan players have brought a different and unique skillset to this league, which has enabled them to perform for their franchise and, in return, receive immense exposure and recognition. The experience gained from here has simply benefited them in their international games as well.
2. West Indies
Another country players that franchisees will heavily consider are from the West Indies. While several Caribbean stars like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine continue to feature in the tournament, several experienced names went unsold at the auction, but could make a return after IPL 2025 restarts.
Players like Andre Fletcher, Evin Lewis, Keemo Paul, and Kyle Mayers are known for their ability to clear fences and bowl at a rapid pace with ease. These players may not have IPL contracts right now, but their past performances make them tempting mid-season signings.
The IPL has had a long and successful connection with West Indies players. Legends like Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, and Chris Gayle have played a huge role in forming the tournament’s identity with their heroics. With flat pitches, short boundaries, and high-scoring games in IPL 2025, franchises will be eyeing players who can make an immediate impact.
1. New Zealand
Franchises may go ahead with effective yet overlooked talent pool from New Zealand. While stars like Rachin Ravindra, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner are actively participating in this season, several Kiwi players surprisingly went unsold at the auction.
Names like Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, and Adam Milne, with substantial IPL and international experience, are available and could be perfect replacements if overseas vacancies open up. New Zealand’s contributions to the IPL have been immense over the years, right from Brendon McCullum’s brilliant 158 in the inaugural IPL match in 2008. Since then, Kiwi cricketers have consistently delivered under pressure. Their familiarity with Indian pitches and conditions makes them valuable assets.