IPL Bulletin For May 14: From Sunil Gavaskar's call for a somber return to uncertainty surrounding overseas players

IPL Bulletin For May 14: As the 2025 season gears up for its resumption on May 17, a mix of important updates has emerged. From Sunil Gavaskar's call for a somber return without the usual fanfare to the uncertainty surrounding overseas players' availability for the playoffs, we bring you the latest from the IPL.

Key players like Jos Buttler, Pat Cummins, and others are confirming their return, while team preparations intensify ahead of the big restart. Here's a look at the top 10 stories.

1) Sunil Gavaskar wants IPL 2025 resumption to be conducted without music and cheerleaders

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has urged the organisers of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) to resume the tournament without the usual fanfare - including music, cheerleaders, and DJs - as a gesture of solidarity with families mourning the recent India-Pakistan conflict. The IPL, which had been put on hold due to escalating tensions between the two nations, is scheduled to restart on May 17. Gavaskar emphasized the importance of showing sensitivity during such a somber period.

2) IPL Playoffs To Take Place In Mumbai: Report

According to Cricbuzz, Mumbai is being considered as a possible venue for the first two IPL playoff matches. However, the final call will depend on when the monsoon is expected to begin in the region.

3) IPL 2025 Final likely to be held in Ahmedabad

Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not formally confirmed the locations for the IPL final and the first two playoff matches - Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator - Cricbuzz reports that the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is likely to host Qualifier 2 and the final, which are set to take place on June 1 and June 3 respectively.

4) Cummins, Head to Return for SRH

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) skipper Pat Cummins, along with fellow Australian Travis Head, has confirmed availability for two more matches. Although SRH are no longer in the playoff race, both players-who are also part of Australia's World Test Championship Final squad-have demonstrated their dedication to fulfilling their IPL commitments.

5) Stoinis, Inglis unclear for PBKS

Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis are unlikely to return to India for the remainder of the 2025 Indian Premier League season with Punjab Kings. Head coach Ricky Ponting is reportedly making a strong effort to convince the Australian pair to rejoin the squad. Ponting, along with two other members of PBKS's Australian support staff, remained in India during the IPL's temporary suspension.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings have asked their players to regroup within the next couple of days. The team is set to resume training on Thursday, May 15, at their new home venue, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

6) Buttler, Coetzee to join GT on May 14

Jos Buttler, the former England captain, and South African pacer Gerald Coetzee are set to link up with the Gujarat Titans on Wednesday, just ahead of the IPL 2025 restart on May 17. As per ESPNcricinfo, Buttler and Coetzee were the only two overseas players who departed India following the BCCI's decision to pause the tournament last Thursday amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

7) Bartlett, Omarzai, Owen to Rejoin PBKS

Punjab Kings have received confirmation from three of their overseas players - Xavier Bartlett, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mitchell Owen - that they will be rejoining the squad for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season, which is scheduled to restart on May 17.

8) Russell, Narine, Powell available for KKR

Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Rovman Powell are expected to rejoin the Kolkata Knight Riders camp in Bengaluru by Wednesday, May 14, or Thursday, May 15. The West Indies trio is currently in Dubai, along with KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo, who will also return with them. All four had departed India following the suspension of IPL 2025 on May 9.

9) South Africa players can stay in India for IPL till May 25

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has requested that its players return home by May 26. A total of 20 South African cricketers are participating in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. However, on Tuesday, May 13, eight of them were included in the squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, scheduled to take place at Lord's starting June 11.

10) Buttler, Bethel, Jacks to miss IPL Playoffs

Jos Buttler (Gujarat Titans), Will Jacks (Mumbai Indians), and Jacob Bethell (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) could potentially miss the IPL 2025 playoffs after being selected in England's ODI squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies. The final two matches of the series are scheduled for June 1 and 3 - dates that clash with the IPL playoff phase.

While the trio is expected to return to India for the league stage, their participation in the playoffs will depend on securing fresh No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Should their respective franchises make it to the knockout rounds and the players receive clearance to take part, they would have to forego the ODI series against the West Indies.