IPL 2025 is expected to resume this week following a brief hiatus amid cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. Reports indicated that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed all 10 franchises to finalise their squads by May 13, with the potential restart set for May 16. The IPL final is now reportedly slated for May 30.
Several overseas players had departed India after the IPL suspension, but many are anticipated to return for the final leg of the season. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Super League 2025, which was running concurrently with the IPL, was indefinitely suspended after failed attempts to resume the remainder of the season in the UAE.
The suspension has raised concerns regarding the players contracted to PSL teams, with some switching to the IPL instead. One notable example is South African cricketer Corbin Bosch, who was originally slated to play for Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL but was later signed by Mumbai Indians as an injury replacement.
Alzarri Joseph
With RCB`s Josh Hazlewood reportedly injured, the franchise might look towards Alzarri Joseph as a potential replacement. Joseph, who was bought by RCB for Rs 11.50 crore at the IPL 2024 auction, played only three matches in the 2024 season, taking just one wicket and struggling with an economy rate of 11.90. However, his raw pace and bounce are what make him a dangerous bowler.
In the PSL 2025, Joseph excelled for Peshawar Zalmi, taking 12 wickets from eight matches, and finished as one of the top wicket-takers. If Hazlewood’s injury prevents his return, Joseph could be a valuable asset for RCB’s bowling attack.
Michael Bracewell
New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell could be an ideal addition to the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad. Although he played a modest role in the PSL 2025 for Multan Sultans, accumulating 44 runs and taking six wickets in eight matches, his talent is undeniable. His 46* in a T20I against Pakistan earlier this year showcased his ability to perform under pressure.
Bracewell has previous IPL experience, having joined RCB in 2023 as an injury replacement for Will Jacks. He contributed 58 runs and took six wickets in five matches during his brief stint. RCB could consider him not just for the current season but potentially as a long-term injury backup for the upcoming seasons.
Adam Milne
Delhi Capitals might explore the option of signing New Zealand`s Adam Milne as a potential replacement for Australia’s Mitchell Starc. Reports suggest that Starc may not return to India for the rest of IPL 2025. Milne played two matches for Karachi Kings in the PSL 2025 but was limited due to injury. In those matches, he scored just 16 runs and didn’t claim any wickets.
Milne, however, has a strong track record, having taken seven wickets in three T20Is against Pakistan last year. His IPL experience, albeit limited, includes playing for Chennai Super Kings in 2022, where he took seven wickets in 10 matches. DC could consider him as a reliable pace option should Starc be unavailable.
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