By Zainab Shafiq 
As the IPL 2025 gears up for its much-anticipated return on May 17, most international cricketers return to IPL, rekindling the excitement around the final leg of the tournament. With just 17 matches remaining before the playoffs, franchise squads are regaining their international firepower, even as a few key Australians weigh their options with the World Test Championship final looming.
Sunrisers Hyderabad duo Pat Cummins and Travis Head have confirmed their return, despite SRH being out of playoff contention. Their remaining two games in Lucknow and Delhi will mark their last IPL outings this season before flying back for national duty. Cummins, who is also Australia’s Test captain, will lead the side at Lord’s on June 11. The return of most overseas players to IPL brings a significant boost to teams still eyeing a top-four finish.
Aussies Divided, Other International Cricketers Committed for IPL 2025 Return
While the Australian camp remains split due to injuries and World Test Championship (WTC) commitments, many are still expected to feature. Cricket Australia has left participation to individual players, balancing their IPL stints with national priorities. Glenn Maxwell and Josh Hazlewood won’t be back due to fitness concerns, and Mitchell Starc’s return remains uncertain after logistical difficulties left him rattled during the break.
Jake Fraser-McGurk is another likely absentee, shaken by the abrupt disruption in Dharamsala. In contrast, players like Jos Buttler, Gerald Coetzee, and Kagiso Rabada are rejoining their squads in full swing, with Buttler expected in Ahmedabad within 24 hours.
For teams like Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals, who are still very much in the playoff race, the return of these international names is crucial. Even Punjab Kings await clarity on Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis, while RCB have ruled out Hazlewood but will welcome others like Livingstone and Ngidi.
Chennai Super Kings, no longer in playoff contention, have left the choice to their foreign players. Devon Conway has confirmed his return, while Rachin Ravindra’s status remains up in the air. Meanwhile, most overseas players return to IPL from vacations in Dubai, Singapore, or Maldives, as teams like KKR and Mumbai Indians expect to operate at full strength.
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