IPL 2025: International Players Depart as Suspension Casts Doubt on Season’s Future

May 10, 2025: The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) faces growing uncertainty as international players begin leaving India following the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to suspend the tournament for a week due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. According to ESPNCricinfo, franchises have started disbanding, and most overseas players are expected to be back in their home countries by Saturday.

Responding to concerns about the safety of foreign players, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the decision to allow overseas players to return lies with the individual franchises, not the board. “That’s not our domain. It’s for the individual franchises to decide what they want to do with their foreign recruits,” Saikia told Reuters.

Meanwhile, the BCCI is reportedly considering resuming the 16 remaining matches in safer southern Indian cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, but only after a green light from the Indian government. Even if a restart occurs in May or later in the year, logistical challenges loom large—particularly the return of international players.

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Many franchises are skeptical about whether their foreign stars would be willing or able to return, especially given their commitments elsewhere. Australian and South African players, in particular, are likely to be unavailable due to their participation in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s starting June 11.

Additionally, the board is keeping an eye on the broader international calendar, with India’s Test tour of England (June–August) and the Asia Cup in September also at risk of disruption.