List of Overseas Players Returning for IPL 2025 : The IPL 2025 season is set to resume, and the overseas players who left the country are preparing to return. The list of players rejoining the IPL has been released, with the season restarting on May 17, 2025.
Players like Pat Cummins and Jos Buttler have confirmed their return, while there’s uncertainty around Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Some players may miss the playoffs due to international duties.
In this article, we share details about who’s coming back, who might not, and the challenges ahead. So, let’s dive into the article.
List of Overseas Players Returning for IPL 2025
Many big overseas players are returning to the IPL 2025. Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins and batsman Travis Head will rejoin their team.
Even though their team is out of the playoffs, they have matches left to complete.
Gujarat Titans’ Jos Buttler and Gerald Coetzee are also coming back.
Kolkata Knight Riders expect Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman to return.
Punjab Kings have confirmed the return of Xavier Bartlett and Mitchell Owen.
Chennai Super Kings’ Noor Ahmad and Matheesha Pathirana are also rejoining, although their team is out of the playoffs.
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Uncertainty Surrounding Starc and Hazlewood
The chances of Delhi Capitals’ Mitchell Starc and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Josh Hazlewood returning are very low.
Starc, who endured a 10-hour journey from Dharamsala, has lost interest in returning to the IPL and is prioritizing the World Test Championship final on June 11, 2025.
Hazlewood is sidelined by a shoulder injury, which could significantly impact RCB’s playoff hopes.
There are also doubts about whether Delhi’s Jake Fraser-McGurk and Punjab’s Marcus Stoinis will return.
Playoff Clashes with International Duties
The IPL 2025 playoffs, scheduled from May 29 to June 3, will face challenges due to international commitments.
England’s Jos Buttler and Will Jacks are in the squad for a West Indies series starting May 29, meaning they will miss the playoff matches.
South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, named for the World Test Championship final, are likely to leave by May 31.
Challenges for Top Teams and BCCI’s Efforts
Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Mumbai Indians, who are among the top teams, will face significant challenges if their overseas players miss the playoffs.
RCB and Punjab Kings are still in the playoff race and could benefit greatly from the return of their overseas stars. The BCCI is working closely with foreign cricket boards, assuring them of safety to encourage players to return and play.
