Explained: Why foreign players will not be penalized by BCCI for skipping the rest of IPL 2025

Several media outlets have reported that the rest of the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) will begin this week. Notably, the IPL still has 16 games left, including the playoffs and the championship game, which will be played on a shortened schedule when the lucrative league returns.

Advertisment

Before the league resumes, the BCCI is presently awaiting official government confirmation. Although the Indian Cricket Board has not yet given the franchises an official date for the IPL's return, a provisional date of May 17–18 is probably going to be used.

The BCCI is probably going to host more doubleheaders in order to swiftly finish the 12 league stage matches. In the meanwhile, it is quite likely that the tournament's final will be rescheduled from May 25 to May 30.

But even before the IPL 2025 season resumes, the BCCI and the IPL teams are facing some challenges because the majority of the international players have returned home after tensions between India and Pakistan escalated, and the Punjab Kings-Delhi Capitals game in Dharamshala was canceled.

Advertisment

Why overseas players won't be punished by the IPL

Since many foreign players are unwilling to stay for the rest of the IPL, the league may be in danger, and many franchises' hopes of qualifying may be dashed.

As was the case with Harry Brook, the IPL typically punishes players who fail to return and fulfill their contracts by either fining them heavily or banning them from the league. The international players won't be fined or punished, though, if the IPL begins this week and they don't return.

Advertisment

Let’s have a look at the reason why. A force majeure clause has been added to each player's IPL contract, allowing them to avoid fulfilling their obligations in the event of an unforeseen circumstance.

A player who voluntarily withdraws from the IPL after being selected in the super auction will be prohibited from playing in the league for the next two seasons, according to a new regulation that the BCCI enacted before the 2025 season. However, this rule is exempt in cases of force majeure.

In simple terms, this contract excuses individuals/parties from fulfilling their contracts in the event of an extraordinary event beyond their control.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!