The coveted T20 cricket festival, IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League), was postponed for a week because to the continuing war between neighbours countries India and Pakistan. However, the league is scheduled to restart on Saturday, May 17, following a truce move.
Notably, the league will include a match between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. In light of these events, the resumption indicates that the war situation also had an impact on other IPL teams. Many foreign players were therefore on the verge of leaving India and the league, but some decided to remain. In addition to coping with the war circumstances, teams like the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were also affected by injury issues.
According to recent reports, PBKS has signed tall New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson to replace Lockie Ferguson. Notably, Ferguson’s hamstring issue prevented him from competing in the competition.
The pace department was another area in which Lucknow struggled. Mayank Yadav, their star pacer, who had previously had his participation postponed because of ongoing problems, experienced yet another blow when he sustained a back injury. Consequently, pacer William O’Rourke, another New Zealander, was signed by LSG. O’Rourke was acquired for a reserve price of INR 3 crore, whereas Jamieson was signed for INR 2 crore.
Jos Buttler is replaced by Kusal Mendis for the Gujarat Titans.
Another IPL team, the Gujarat Titans (GT), had to handle a new circumstance earlier today. Jos Buttler, their prolific wicketkeeper-batter, is scheduled to depart the IPL 2025 in order to commit to England’s national team. Notably, Buttler will play against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 25 in his final match of the season.
Following Gujarat’s final league match, Kusal Mendis of Sri Lanka will formally take Buttler’s place. The gifted Lankan athlete paid INR 75 lakh to enrol with GT.
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