IPL 2025 is set to begin on March 22, with the final scheduled for May 25. The opening match will take place at Eden Gardens, featuring a clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. A total of 74 matches, including the final, will be played over 65 days among 10 teams in this season of the IPL.
However, even before the tournament begins, several star players have already been ruled out. As of March 17, five players have withdrawn, with one of them facing a two-year ban. With injuries affecting some players, this number could increase further.
Most of the players ruled out are foreign players. Out of the five players, four are from overseas – Allah Ghazanfar, Harry Brook, Lizaad Williams, and Brydon Carse. The only Indian player on this list is Umran Malik.
Young England batter Harry Brook pulled out of IPL 2025 to focus on his international commitments. He was set to play for Delhi Capitals, but his withdrawal comes with a two-year ban, meaning he will not be eligible to play in the IPL until 2028. Delhi has not yet announced a replacement for Brook.
Three foreign players have been ruled out due to injuries. Afghanistan’s young spinner Allah Ghazanfar was the first player to be ruled out due to injury. He was part of the Mumbai Indians squad and has been replaced by Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
England fast bowler Brydon Carse also withdrew due to injury. He was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad, who have replaced him with South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder.
Another South African pacer, Lizaad Williams, was ruled out due to injury. He was part of the Mumbai Indians squad, and his replacement is all-rounder Corbin Bosch.
Indian pacer Umran Malik, known for his raw pace, was eager to make an impact in IPL 2025. However, due to injury, he had to withdraw from the season. Kolkata Knight Riders had bought him for 75 lakh rupees in the mega auction. His replacement is left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya.
Besides these five, several other players are currently injured, and their participation remains uncertain. This includes Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, and Mayank Yadav from Lucknow Super Giants.
If any of these players are ruled out, Shardul Thakur or Shivam Mavi could be brought in as replacements. If two players withdraw, both Thakur and Mavi might get a chance.
As IPL 2025 approaches, the list of injured and unavailable players could increase further. Fans and teams will be closely monitoring fitness updates before the tournament begins.