The Indian Premier League (IPL) has revised its rules for the remainder of the 2025 season, allowing teams to sign temporary replacement players following the tournament’s resumption. However, these replacements will not be eligible for retention in the next season’s auction.
The decision comes after the league faced an unexpected break due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. With the tournament set to restart on Saturday, the new schedule has led to availability conflicts for some overseas players.IPL Introduces Temporary Player Rule
While most foreign players are expected to return, a few—including Jake Fraser-McGurk of Delhi Capitals and Jamie Overton of Chennai Super Kings—have opted out of the remaining matches.
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Previously, IPL guidelines only allowed teams to sign replacements for injured or ill players before their 12th match. Given the mid-season suspension, the league has adjusted the policy to provide more flexibility.
In a notice shared with franchises, the IPL clarified that temporary players can now be signed due to national duties, personal reasons, or injuries. However, those brought in after the suspension cannot be retained for the 2026 season and must re-enter the player auction.
The move appears aimed at maintaining fairness and preventing franchises from using the rule to bypass the standard auction process.
The IPL also confirmed that players signed before the suspension remain eligible for retention. Four such players had joined just before the break: Sediqullah Atal (Delhi Capitals), Mayank Agarwal (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), and Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Nandre Burger (both Rajasthan Royals).