The IPL, in a bid to cope with sizeable number of overseas players not returning for the remaining part of the 2025 season, has decided to allow temporary replacements. Mustafizur Rehman, the experienced left arm seam bowler from Bangladesh, is the first such example as Delhi Capitals have signed him on in place of Jake Fraser-McGurk of Australia as the later has opted out of the tournament.

The 18th edition of the IPL, set to resume on 17 May across six venues, will begin with the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders at Bengaluru. The final will be held on 3 June.

Mustafizur, nicknamed Fizz, has so far taken 61 wickets from 57 games. He has played 106 T20Is for Bangladesh, picking up 132 wickets, and will be paid pro rata at the rate of Rs 6 crore, though he will not be eligible for retention next season. Jamie Everton, the England allrounder, has also officially opted out of his team Chennai Super Kings.   

The IPL’s original regulations permit teams to sign replacements in case of illness or injury, provided it occurs during or before their 12th match of the season. However, the league has taken the call to change those rules so that the franchises can resume the competition with a fair strength. However, the Capitals are still waiting for a final word on a number of their key stars like Mitchell Starc (Australia), Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs (South Africa).

The IPL told franchises in a memo that it had ‘reassessed’ the replacement rules. ‘’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 league said.

‘’This decision is subject to the condition that the Temporary Replacement players taken from this point forward will not be eligible for retention in the following year. Temporary Replacement players will have to register for the IPL Player Auction 2026.’’

The IPL, however, clarified that any replacements which were approved before the league’s suspension remain eligible for retention ahead of next season. Four players were signed in the 48 hours before suspension: Sediquallah Atal (Delhi Capitals), Mayank Agarwal (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), Lhuan-dre Pretorious and Nandre Burger (both Rajasthan Royals).