Most overseas players are returning to play the remaining matches in the 2025. The tournament was suspended for a week on May 9 amid the growing tension between India and Pakistan. The 18th edition is set to resume on Saturday, May 17, as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Here is a look at which overseas players are returning and the ones who are not. We also discuss some of the replacements for the foreign players who are not coming back to India to finish their IPL 2025 commitments.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans’ talismanic wicketkeeper-batter will be returning to play the remaining league games. However, he will return to the United Kingdom ahead of the playoffs for England’s white-ball series against West Indies, starting May 30. Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis, who was previously playing for Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), will not return to Pakistan for the tournament’s closing stages.
Instead, he is reportedly set to join the Titans as Buttler’s replacement if they reach the playoff stages. The Titans are positioned at the top of the table and are one of the frontrunners to make the playoffs. Other overseas stars like Gerald Coetzee, Dasun Shanaka, and Kagiso Rabada will be available for the latter half of the league.
