As the IPL 2025 season heads into its final stage, some of the biggest foreign players have decided not to return. This is a big setback for many teams who were counting on them for the playoffs.

Which Players Are Not Coming Back?

• Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals) – The Australian fast bowler has pulled out of the rest of the season. Delhi Capitals will miss him badly as he was one of their main bowlers.
• Jofra Archer (Mumbai Indians) – The English pacer will also not return. His absence weakens Mumbai’s bowling attack.
• Jos Buttler (Gujarat Titans) – Buttler will miss the playoff matches due to his international duties with England. He was a key player in Gujarat’s top order.
• Sam Curran (Punjab Kings) – The English all-rounder will not be available for the remaining matches. His ability to bat and bowl made him a valuable player for Punjab.
• Jake Fraser-McGurk (Delhi Capitals) – The young Australian batsman has left the tournament for personal reasons. Delhi now has a gap in their batting lineup.
• Jamie Overton (Chennai Super Kings) – Overton will not play further as he’s been selected for England’s white-ball series. CSK will need to find a replacement quickly.

What Happens Next?

The BCCI is allowing teams to bring in temporary foreign players as replacements, but they can’t be kept for next season. So now, teams are depending more on Indian players and available overseas backups.

This sudden exit of top players makes the final part of IPL 2025 more unpredictable. Teams must now adjust quickly and make smart choices. The ones that adapt best could have a better shot at winning the trophy.