IPL 2025: Foreigners start to leave India amid Suspension - Will they join back if IPL resumes in May?

With the IPL 2025 season suspended due to escalating cross-border tensions, the BCCI has shortlisted Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad as potential venues for the tournament's resumption, should government clearance come through in the coming days.

While the board has not officially declared a deadline for the decision, internal discussions suggest that preparations are being made to potentially restart the league within May itself, especially after the current de-escalation in the Indo-Pak conflict.

IPL 2025: Foreign Players start Leaving India

However, the biggest obstacle facing the BCCI is the uncertain availability of overseas players. Following the suspension announcement on Friday, franchises began disbanding swiftly, and most foreign players were on outbound flights by Saturday.

Although teams remain hopeful that key overseas stars could return should the tournament restart soon, most acknowledge that their availability cannot be guaranteed if the revised schedule runs into late May. As India and Pakistan both agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday, there is a chance for IPL 2025 to resume again.

If the tournament resumes, 12 league matches and four playoff fixtures remain. Hyderabad was originally slated to host the Eliminator and Qualifier 1, while Kolkata was designated for Qualifier 2 and the final. But if the IPL takes place this month, the three southern cities will get the nod, which will be a big blow for other centres, especially Kolkata.

Will Foreigners return if IPL 2025 resumes in May?

If the tournament starts again around May 17 and then stretches to June's first week, the foreigners may not be able to rejoin. Many players are committed to the upcoming bilateral series, while others are preparing for the ICC World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa, which begins on June 11 at Lord's.

RCB announced on Saturday that their players have already left with outbound flights. MyKhel understands that Punjab Kings foreigners are also out of the country. For the other eight franchises, the scenario is pretty much the same. Hence, it will be a challenge for them to return back and rejoin the teams for the remainder of this IPL season, provided the extravaganza starts in this month.