Just when fans thought IPL 2025 couldn’t get more dramatic, the BCCI went and dropped a bombshell. Right before the league resumes on May 17, they announced a new rule in IPL 2025—one that’s all about flexibility and quick fixes. It’s called the temporary replacement rule in IPL, and it allows teams to bring in temporary players to cover for those who can’t return due to the chaos of recent events.
🚨 IPL TWEAK RULES TEMPORARILY. 🚨
– Temporary replacements cannot be retained for the next season.
– Replacements approved prior to the suspension will remain eligible for retention. (Cricbuzz). pic.twitter.com/4kJbdChkNG
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 14, 2025
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Why Temporary Replacement Rule in IPL Even Needed？
So, what sparked this? Well, things got heated, politically, not just on the field. Tensions between India and Pakistan led to a week-long suspension of the league, and while the action is now set to resume on May 17, not all IPL overseas players are coming back. Some are tied up with national duties, others are staying away due to safety concerns. With the calendar getting squeezed and clashing with international commitments, several big names including Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk and England’s Jamie Overton have opted out. Cue the need for the new rule in IPL 2025 to help teams stay competitive.
What Exactly Is New Rule in IPL 2025？
Under the updated replacement rule in IPL, franchises can now bring in “temporary replacements” for any players who are unavailable due to national commitments, personal reasons, illness, or injury. This is a big departure from the usual injury-only policy that was limited to incidents before a team’s 12th match.
But there’s a key restriction: any temporary player brought in after the May 9 suspension cannot be retained for IPL 2026. These players must enter the next IPL auction pool. The IPL made it clear that this change is a one-time adjustment due to extraordinary circumstances. However, a few players who were signed as injury replacements before the suspension are exempt from this clause. These include:
- Sediqullah Atal (Delhi Capitals)
- Mayank Agarwal (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
- Lhuan-dré Pretorius and Nandre Burger (Rajasthan Royals)
These four can still be retained by their teams for IPL 2026.
What’s In It for the Teams？
This rule is basically a stopgap to help teams stay afloat. Losing key IPL overseas players during the business end of the season could cripple any squad. With the new rule in IPL 2025, teams at least have the ability to patch those holesm even if it’s just temporary.
Mustafizur Rahman is back in 💙❤️ after two years!
He replaces Jake Fraser-McGurk who is unavailable for the rest of the season. pic.twitter.com/gwJ1KHyTCH
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 14, 2025
While the rule is brand new, teams aren’t wasting time putting it into action. Delhi Capitals (DC) have become the first franchise to make use of the replacement rule in IPL, signing Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman to replace Jake Fraser-McGurk. Mustafizur isn’t new to DC — he wore their jersey in IPL 2022 and 2023, picking up nine wickets in total. His return is a smart move, but under the new rule in IPL 2025, DC won’t be able to keep him for IPL 2026. He’ll be back in the auction pool, waiting for his next call-up.
Related Article：Jake Fraser-McGurk Out of IPL 2025 – Here’s Why He’s Not Coming Back
What’s Next？
While the replacement rule in IPL doesn’t solve every problem, it’s a practical patch for a messy situation. Teams can stay competitive, fans still get to watch quality cricket, and the league avoids a talent drain in its final stretch. The BCCI’s swift move shows that the league is willing to adapt, and fast, especially when it comes to managing the availability of IPL overseas players in turbulent times.
Sure, franchises might have to make some short-term decisions without long-term benefits, but with the playoffs around the corner, it’s all about the now. And hey, who knows — maybe one of these temporary signings will become the unlikely hero of IPL 2025.
