IPL 2025 paused over India-Pakistan tensions; overseas stars miss playoffs for national duty

Nov, 16 2025
Orion Stargazer
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When the IPL 2025 was abruptly halted on May 10, 2025, fans didn’t just lose a game—they lost a cultural rhythm. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) didn’t cite rain or logistics. It pointed to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, a political flashpoint that’s turned cricket into a diplomatic minefield. The league, suspended for nearly a week, resumed on May 17 in Bengaluru, but the break shattered team continuity. And now, with the playoffs set to begin on May 29 and the final on June 3, a new problem has emerged: overseas stars are vanishing—not because of injury, but because their countries won’t let them stay.

International Duty Trumps Franchise Loyalty

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a firm directive: players must report for the upcoming ODI and T20 series against the West Indies. That meant Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd, both key all-rounders for Punjab Kings, packed their bags before the final league matches. They’re not alone. Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton, and Sam Curran—all contracted to Rajasthan Royals—won’t return either. The Royals’ management insists it’s not about playoff math; it’s about player welfare. "They’re carrying niggles," said a team official. "We’re not risking long-term damage for a few games we’re unlikely to win."

But here’s the twist: not all Englishmen are leaving. Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, and Liam Livingstone are flying back to India. Why? Personal contracts, team loyalty, or maybe just the thrill of chasing a title. Buttler, who leads Gujarat Titans in runs, is now the only England-based star left in the playoff race.

South Africa’s Deadline: May 26

While England’s players are split, South Africa drew a hard line. Coach Shukri Conrad confirmed his players must return by May 26, no exceptions. That means eight Proteas, including Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans) and Riyan Parag (Mumbai Indians), will miss the playoffs. "Our agreement with the BCCI was clear," Conrad said. "We’re not asking for special treatment. We’re asking for respect."

That respect is in short supply. The Cricket Australia side is playing a different game. They’ve told players: if you want to return to IPL, fine—but we’re reshuffling your prep schedule. Australia needs to host a pre-final camp in Scotland before heading to England. That’s why Pat Cummins and Travis Head might make it back. But Josh Hazlewood (RCB)? Probably not. He’s staying put, and RCB’s chances are slipping.

Who’s Left? Who’s Gone?

The roster shuffle is a logistical nightmare. Here’s who’s still in the mix:

Punjab Kings: Only Jacob Bethell (2 games left) and Lungi Ngidi (league stage only) remain from the original overseas core.
Gujarat Titans: Jos Buttler leads the charge. Kagiso Rabada is back for league games, but Kusal Mendis is the replacement for Buttler in playoffs.
Mumbai Indians: Riyan Parag, Corbin Bosch, and Will Jacks are gone. Their replacements? Unproven.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Still have Andre Russell, Quinton de Kock, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. But Moisés Henriques and Rovman Powell are out.

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings are already eliminated. Their overseas stars? Free to go. No drama.

Why This Matters Beyond Cricket

This isn’t just about fantasy leagues or team standings. The IPL has long been a bridge between nations—a place where Indian fans cheer for West Indian batters and Pakistani expats celebrate South African bowlers. Now, political friction is turning that bridge into a border. The Pakistan Super League 2025 was also suspended, a rare, synchronized pause that underscores how deeply cricket is entangled in geopolitics.

It’s also a test for franchises. Can they adapt? Can they sign replacements on short notice? The BCCI allows substitutions only for players who exited before their 12th league match. That’s a narrow window. Teams like Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans are scrambling to find late replacements. Some are turning to fringe domestic players. Others are signing retired internationals—like former England captain Eoin Morgan, rumored to be in talks with a playoff-bound side.

A Precedent Set in 2021

This isn’t the first time the IPL was interrupted. In 2021, a COVID surge forced the league into a four-month hiatus. It resumed in the UAE, behind closed doors. Players were isolated. Families were separated. But back then, the pause was about health. This time, it’s about politics. And the fallout is more personal.

Imagine being Sherfane Rutherford—a man who made $1.2 million this season, only to be pulled away because his national team needs him. Or Kagiso Rabada, who’s taken 18 wickets in 11 matches for Gujarat, now watching from home as his team fights for a final spot. No one’s asking for sympathy. But it’s hard not to feel the weight of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t players just play both IPL and national duty?

International cricket boards like ECB and Cricket Australia have strict scheduling policies. Players are contracted to represent their nations in specific windows, and breaking those commitments risks fines, suspensions, or loss of selection. The IPL’s condensed calendar leaves no room for overlap—especially when playoffs clash with major tours. Players must choose.

Which teams are most affected by player departures?

Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans are hit hardest. Both lost key overseas all-rounders—Bosch, Jacks, and Parag for Mumbai; Buttler and Rabada (partially) for Gujarat. Their batting depth and death-over options are now compromised. Punjab Kings, despite losing Rutherford and Shepherd, still have Ngidi and Bethell, making them less vulnerable.

Could the BCCI have planned better for this conflict?

Yes. The BCCI knew the England and Australia tours were scheduled for late May and early June. Yet, they didn’t adjust the IPL schedule to avoid overlap. In 2021, they adapted to a pandemic. This time, they treated international fixtures as an afterthought. Critics say it shows a lack of long-term planning in global cricket diplomacy.

What happens to players who leave early? Do they get paid?

Players are paid their full IPL salaries regardless of whether they complete the season. Contracts guarantee payment for the duration of the tournament, not performance-based milestones. However, performance bonuses—like for winning the title or being Player of the Tournament—are forfeited if they leave before the playoffs.

Is this the first time politics has disrupted the IPL?

No. In 2014, the IPL was moved out of India due to elections. In 2020, the pandemic forced a UAE relocation. But this is the first time India-Pakistan tensions directly caused a suspension. It signals a new era where geopolitics, not just health or logistics, can dictate the sport’s calendar.

Will this affect future overseas player participation in IPL?

Potentially. If franchises can’t guarantee players will finish the season, top international stars may prioritize shorter, less risky leagues like the SA20 or The Hundred. The IPL’s global appeal relies on consistency. If national duties keep pulling stars away, the league’s credibility as a premier T20 competition could erode over time.