IPL faces foreign player crisis as franchises scramble for replacements

Dubai: Franchises are scrambling, replacements are flying in, and uncertainty is the new normal.

With just days to go before the IPL restarts on May 17, Dubai Capitals have made the first move, signing Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman amid growing concerns over the return of overseas stars.

South Africa have asked their players to return from India by May 26 to begin preparations for the World Test Championship final against Australia, to be played at Lord’s from June 11 to 15. This directive impacts several IPL franchises, with eight members of South Africa’s Test squad currently contracted to teams.

“Our initial agreement with the IPL and the Indian board was that our players would return (for national duty) on the 26th,” said South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad. “As it stands, we’re not budging on this.”

Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs remain uncertain for the remainder of the tournament, while Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi and Ryan Rickelton are all expected to exit by May 26.

Australia, too, are facing a selection squeeze. Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Jamie Overton has already been ruled out, and young opener Jake Fraser-McGurk is set to become the second confirmed overseas withdrawal.

Concerns remain over the return of Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis. However, with Sunrisers Hyderabad out of the playoffs race, skipper Pat Cummins and opener Travis Head are expected to complete their remaining matches before flying to England.

Mustafizur Rahman, who made his IPL debut in 2016, returns to the tournament having previously played for Delhi Capitals in 2022 and 2023. He took eight wickets in eight matches during the 2022 season, with an economy rate of 7.62, and featured in two matches the following year.

Now picked up by Dubai Capitals, he becomes the first officially announced replacement signing ahead of the IPL’s restart.

To address the growing player shortfall, the Indian cricket board has permitted franchises to sign temporary replacements.

“Given the non-availability of certain foreign players due to national commitments or personal reasons or any injury or illness, Temporary Replacement Players will be allowed until the conclusion of this tournament,” the IPL said in a memo sent to franchises.

However, the replacements come with a caveat. “The Temporary Replacement players taken from this point forward will not be eligible for retention in the following year,” the memo clarified. These players will need to register for the 2026 IPL Player Auction if they wish to return.

As the league heads into its final leg, franchises are juggling late arrivals, sudden departures and last-minute signings. While Dubai Capitals have acted early, others will soon be forced to follow suit — with every new withdrawal creating fresh uncertainty and a new race against time.