The ongoing war conflict between neighbouring countries India and Pakistan led to the postponement of the coveted T20 cricket fest, (Indian Premier League), for a week. However, after a ceasefire move, the league is all set to resume on Saturday, 17 May.
Notably, the league will see Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) taking on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Amid these developments, the resumption means that other IPL franchises were also affected by the war situation. As a result, many overseas players were on the brink of leaving India and exiting the league, while some chose to stay back. Teams like Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were not only dealing with the war situation but were also impacted by injury concerns.
In the latest news, PBKS have roped in the tall New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson as Lockie Ferguson‘s replacement. Notably, Ferguson was ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.
Lucknow were also found struggling in the pace department. Their prime pacer, Mayank Yadav, whose participation had already been delayed due to persistent injuries, suffered yet another setback in the form of a back-related injury. As a result, LSG have signed another New Zealander, pacer William O’Rourke. While Jamieson was signed for a price of INR 2 crore, O’Rourke was brought in for a reserve price of INR 3 crore.
IPL 2025: GT’s Jos Buttler to be replaced by Kusal Mendis
Gujarat Titans rope in Kusal Mendis as Jos Buttler’s replacement
Earlier today, another IPL franchise, Gujarat Titans (GT), had to deal with a fresh situation. Their in-form wicketkeeper-batter, Jos Buttler, is all set to leave IPL 2025 as he is bound for national duties for England. Notably, Buttler will play his last game of the season on 25 May against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
After Gujarat’s last game of the league stage, Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis will officially become Buttler’s replacement. The talented Lankan player was signed by GT for a price of INR 75 lakh.
