IPL returns after India-Pakistan tension, but Delhi-Chennai suffer setback, know who will return and who will not

The IPL 2025 returning overseas players list has left fans surprised. After the tournament was suspended on May 8 due to tensions on the India-Pakistan border, the absence of several overseas stars in the matches starting on May 17 has upset the teams’ strategy. The exclusion of Australian bowler Mitchell Starc has dashed the playoff dreams of Delhi Capitals (DC), while teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT) are happy to have their stars back. Let’s find out who is returning and which teams have suffered a setback. IPL 2025 Returning Overseas Players List: Team-wise update
Delhi Capitals (DC): Starc-McGurk absent, Mustafizur’s entry
- OUT: Mitchell Starc (Australia), Jake Fraser-McGurk (Australia)
- IN: Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh), Sediqullah Atal (Afghanistan), Tristan Stubbs (South Africa)
- Disadvantage: DC’s bowling is weak without Starc, while McGurk’s explosive batting will be missed.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Strengthened by the return of Narine-Russell
🚨 IPL Update
— T20 Franchise Rosters (Men) (@t20tracker) May 15, 2025
Moeen Ali has opted out of the remainder of IPL due to personal reasons.
KKR are also awaiting an update from Rovman Powell.
ESPNcricinfo understands KKR is looking at signing at least one short-term replacement.
All other overseas players will be available. pic.twitter.com/wr49Exu0li
- OUT: Moeen Ali (England), Rovman Powell (West Indies)
- IN: Sunil Narine (West Indies), Andre Russell (West Indies), Quinton de Kock (South Africa)
- Advantage: KKR’s playoff claim is strengthened by the return of experienced all-rounders.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Salt-Hazlewood return, but doubt on Bethell
- IN: Phil Salt (England), Jacob Bethell (England), Josh Hazlewood (Australia), Romario Shepherd (West Indies)
- Hope: Hazlewood’s bowling and Salt’s opening will strengthen RCB.
Mumbai Indians (MI): Bolt-Jacques entry, Archer out
- IN: Trent Bolt (New Zealand), Will Jacks (England), Mitchell Santner (New Zealand)
- Challenge: MI’s death over bowling is weak without Bolt, but Bolt’s return will provide relief.
Gujarat Titans (GT): Blast with the return of Butler-Rashid
- IN: Jos Buttler (England), Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)
- Advantage: GT’s team is stronger with the presence of Butler in the top order and Rashid in spin.
IPL 2025 Returning Overseas Players List: Who all are in doubts?
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Devon Conway and Noor Ahmad return, but Sam Curran and Jamie Overton are out.
- Rajasthan Royals (RR): Wanindu Hasaranga and Shimron Hetmyer return, but Jofra Archer will not come.
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Support to the middle order with the return of Nicholas Pooran (West Indies) and Aiden Markram (South Africa).
Why did the IPL 2025 Returning Overseas Players List change?
The IPL was suspended on May 8 due to tensions on the India-Pakistan border. During this time most of the foreign players returned to their country. However, with the return of the tournament from May 17:
- National duty: Players from England, Australia and West Indies did not return due to commitments with their national teams.
- Security concerns: Families of some players refused to return to India.
- World Test Championship (WTC): Players from Australia and South Africa busy preparing for the WTC final in June.
Fans react: “IPL 2025 Returning Overseas Players List spoiled plans!”
Fans are expressing their displeasure on social media. One user wrote, “DC’s bowling is useless without Starc.” At the same time, KKR and GT fans are happy. A GT fan tweeted, “Buttler and Rashid’s return ensures the trophy!”
Conclusion: IPL 2025 Returning Overseas Players List changed the game
The IPL 2025 returning overseas players list has decided the fate of the teams. While teams like DC and CSK have suffered a setback, teams like KKR and GT have strengthened. Now it remains to be seen whether this change will bring a new twist in the playoff race? Fans’ eyes are set on the Rale matches starting on May 17!
Also Read : Big revolution in IPL 2025: Replacement Player Rules!