IPL Announces New Rule; Temporary Replacements Allowed For Remainder Of IPL 2025

In a move that will bring immense relief to the franchises, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has now allowed teams to sign temporary replacements for the remainder of the 2025 season of the IPL. However, new replacements will not be eligible for retentions next season to maintain the sanctity of the IPL auction.

The league was paused on May 8 after cross-border tensions escalated between India and Pakistan, with the entire Western border of India being affected in the process. The match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings had to be halted mid-way and the stadium was evacuated. 

The league was suspended as a result of the military action on the border. Once a ceasefire understanding was made, the IPL governing council announced the resumption of the league from May 17. 

"Given the non-availability of certain foreign players due to national commitments or personal reasons or any injury or illness, Temporary Replacement Players will be allowed until the conclusion of this tournament," the league said in its communication to the franchises, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo 

"This decision is subject to the condition that the Temporary Replacement players taken from this point forward will not be eligible for retention in the following year. Temporary Replacement players will have to register for the IPL Player Auction 2026."

The governing council also added that the replacements, which were approved before the league’s suspension, would also remain valid. This decision would certainly have a positive impact, because as many as four players in the two days before the suspension of the league: Nandre Burger and Lhuan-dre Pretorious (Rajasthan Royals), Sediquallah Atal (DC), Mayank Agarwal (Royal Challengers Bengaluru).