Big Move By BCCI: Major Rule Change Announced For IPL 2025
Teams are now allowed to sign temporary replacements for the final phase of IPL 2025. However, these replacements come with a condition.
The remaining matches of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will resume from May 17, after a week-long suspension caused by rising tensions between India and Pakistan
During the break, many foreign players returned to their home countries. Now, with the tournament set to restart, several of them are unlikely to return - a setback for their respective teams. While some franchises are still in talks with their overseas players, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also initiated discussions with various international cricket boards to resolve the issue.
BCCI allows temporary replacements with new retention rule
Under standard IPL rules, franchises can only replace a player due to injury or illness - and only before or during their 12th match. But in light of the current situation, BCCI has amended this rule.
Teams are now allowed to sign temporary replacements for the final phase of IPL 2025. However, these replacements come with a condition:
Players brought in as replacements after the resumption will not be eligible for retention in IPL 2026 and must enter the auction. This rule is designed to ensure fairness while helping teams cope with unexpected player unavailability.
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Delhi Capitals faces a lot of backlash for signing Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has decided not to return. Similarly, Chennai Super Kings' Jamie Overton has also opted out of the remaining matches.
Who can be retained?
Players signed before the May 9 suspension as replacements are still eligible for retention in IPL 2026. These include:
Sediqullah Atal – Delhi Capitals
Mayank Agarwal – Royal Challengers Bangalore
Luan-Dre Pretorius – Rajasthan Royals
Nandre Burger – Rajasthan Royals
These four players were signed within 48 hours before the tournament was paused and are not affected by the new rule.
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