The IPL was thrown off course earlier this month after tensions between India and Pakistan led to a week-long suspension. Things came to a halt on May 8 during the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala. Now that a ceasefire has been agreed, the league is back on track and will resume on May 17 in Bengaluru. But with the break, several overseas stars ruled out IPL 2025, either due to safety concerns or national team duties — and that’s already shaking up team dynamics.

Overseas Stars Ruled Out IPL 2025

While many overseas players in IPL 2025 are confirmed to return, a few big names are staying away. That’s a huge deal, especially for teams still fighting for a playoff spot. The BCCI is doing what it can, keeping in touch with overseas boards to bring players back.

In this article, we’ll look at who’s not coming back, which teams are most affected, and what this means for the chances of IPL teams for playoffs. If you’re wondering how much these absences might hurt your team’s shot at the trophy — we’ve got you covered.

Most Impacted IPL Teams：Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings, who have a golden opportunity to put their hands on the elusive IPL title, are in negotiations with the overseas players, who returned home after the cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. Head coach Ricky Ponting did a good job in convincing some of the players to return to the league, while the franchise is yet to get confirmation on the return of Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Josh Inglis, and Aaron Hardie.

𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞-𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬 🔓 pic.twitter.com/ivSYhuQf1q

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 4, 2025

With 3 league matches still to be played, Punjab badly want the services of key players Stoinis, Jansen, and Inglis, who are the regular starters. With 7 wins, 3 losses, and a no result, they are positioned 3rd in the standings with 15 points.

Delhi Capitals

Mitchell Starc is one of the overseas players in IPL 2025, who is unlikely to return to the league after landing in Australia along with his wife Alyssa Healy on Monday. It would be a big blow for Delhi Capitals if Starc doesn’t return for the remainder of the league. The 35-year-old left-arm quick, who was purchased for a sum of 11.75 crore, was the standout performer with the ball for the franchise, picking up 14 scalps in 11 innings with the best figures of 5 for 35.

A team hat-trick, thanks to CRATS 💙🔥 pic.twitter.com/2V7RDd6Sz3

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 29, 2025

With his skilled execution and experience, he did play a massive hand in the Capitals’ success so far, and his absence might affect the team majorly. Delhi Capitals are currently 5th in the standings and have not seen a win in their last 3 matches. With the competition for the top 4 getting intense, they need at least 2 wins from their remaining 3 games to cement a place in the Playoffs.

The grind behind the scenes ft. Stubbsy 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Zlu7NLRlfT

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 24, 2025

In another major update, Tristan Stubbs, who is in the South African WTC Final squad, may not be available if Delhi Capitals qualify for the Playoffs, as Cricket South Africa has issued the NOCs till May 25th. The talks between CSA and BCCI are still going on, and they are likely a possibility that the latter might use its power to keep the players until the Playoffs.

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

To strengthen their bowling core, Delhi has named Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for Jake Fraser McGurk, who is unavailable for the rest of the tournament.

Related Article：Jake Fraser-McGurk Out of IPL 2025 – Here’s Why He’s Not Coming Back

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

In their bid to win the maiden IPL title, Royal Challengers Bengaluru got everything right this time and are well placed in the 2nd position in the standings with 16 points. Aussie ace pacer, Josh Hazlewood, who was the chief architect in taking the side to this position, picking up 18 scalps in 10 matches, might not return to India as he currently nursing a shoulder niggle, which kept him out of the home game against Chennai Super Kings on May 3rd. With the WTC Final around the corner, being the frontline seamer for Australia, he doesn’t want to risk it and might opt for rest.

“𝘞𝘦’𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘢 𝘸𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵”: 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗵 𝗛𝗮𝘇𝗹𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱 😇

Positive vibes, celebrating each other’s success, appreciating the good work, and more… pic.twitter.com/cNKqoEZjsx

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) April 25, 2025

With Lungi Ngidi also in South Africa’s WTC Final squad, he is uncertain about his participation after May 25th. This leaves RCB without a specialist overseas seamer for the Playoffs, and they have to call up a replacement in case CSA doesn’t extend their NOCS. With skipper Rajat Patidar also unlikely due to an injured finger, Royal Challengers Bengaluru might face difficulties in fielding a full-strength squad.

Our favourite run-up, every single time 🧡

Pat Cummins | #PlayWithFire | #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/0lhooizbGp

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) May 14, 2025

Teams will be Less Affected If Overseas Players Don’t Return

Bottom-placed teams, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are already eliminated from the IPL 2025, are less affected even if their overseas players won’t return for the remainder of the tournament. Since the chances of IPL teams for Playoffs of the above-mentioned teams aren’t possible, they aren’t interested in bringing back some of their overseas players.

Key Players overseas stars ruled out of IPL 2025

On his childhood, to seeing the coolest duo in Sanju-Dravid, to the IPL and more. Hettie lays it all out! 💗👌 pic.twitter.com/mgjmHfl4lh

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 16, 2025

1. Shimron Hetmyer

Following the cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, Shimron Hetmyer, one of the Rajasthan Royals’ overseas players in IPL 2025, flew back home and is unlikely to return for the remainder of the tournament. With 2 matches left for the Royals, his unavailability at this point won’t even matter. The 28-year-old has had a roller coaster IPL so far, scoring 216 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 146.93.

#10 IN THE HOUSE!
💛💛💛💛💛

TON of roars ahead, Jamie! 💪💥 #WhistlePodu #AllYouNeedIsYellove pic.twitter.com/IgLtDP6fxH

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 22, 2025

2. Jamie Overton

England all-rounder Jamie Overton, who was part of the Chennai Super Kings, is one of the overseas players in IPL 2025 might not return for the rest of the tournament. The 31-year-old featured in only 3 matches, where he went wicketless, while with the bat, he made 15 runs in 2 innings. Having been named in England’s ODI squad for the home series against West Indies, which gets underway from May 29th, there is a high possibility that he is unlikely to return.

Conclusion

With just 17 matches remaining, the chances of IPL teams for playoffs are hanging by a threat, and a lot of that comes down to whether the key overseas players in IPL 2025 make it back in time. For teams still in the hunt, every absence counts. If the overseas stars ruled out IPL 2025 remain unavailable, we might see a dramatic shift in the playoff race, opening doors for underdogs while closing them for title favorites. One thing’s for sure: the final stretch of IPL 2025 won’t be short on surprises.