Due to border tensions between India and Pakistan, IPL and PSL both were suspended. Both leagues are now set to resume their activities. The suitable time frame for protection of entrants from overseas becomes the major point examined. The question is will Overseas Players Return to PSL and IPL After Border Tensions? The remaining security and scheduling considerations notwithstanding, certain players will show up, while several may still pull back. Their decisions will very much dictate the last phase of both tournaments.
Impact of Border Tensions on IPL and PSL
In May 2025, rising military conflict between India and Pakistan forced the suspension of both IPL and PSL. The IPL saw major disruption during a Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match on May 8. A sudden stadium blackout halted play. This led to a one-week suspension. The questions arised for the future of IPL and PSL after border tension. The PSL faced a similar fate. An Indian drone incident near Rawalpindi Stadium raised safety fears. Security concerns prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board to pause the tournament until the situation stabilized.
Resumption Plans and Scheduling Conflicts
After a ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, both IPL and PSL announced their return. The IPL is set to resume on May 17. The final will be held on June 3. The PSL will also restart on May 17. Its final is scheduled for May 25. However, these new dates clash with international duties. The World Test Championship (WTC) final begins on June 11. Several players are part of that squad. This overlap may impact player availability in the closing stages of both leagues.
Overseas Players’ Concerns and Decisions
Indian Premier League (IPL)
“We have been speaking to the foreign boards individually while teams are directly dealing with their players. We expect the majority of them to return,” a BCCI official told PTI on Tuesday.
The BCCI has officially confirmed the resumption of IPL 2025. However, concerns remain over the return of all overseas players. Australian players, in particular, appear uncertain. Many foreign cricketers from South Africa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the West Indies never left India. They are still with their teams and ready to play.
England’s Jos Buttler and South African pacer Gerald Coetzee are expected to rejoin the Gujarat Titans on May 14. However, Buttler, Jacob Bethell (RCB), and Will Jacks (MI) are likely to miss the playoffs. They have been named in England’s ODI squad for their series against West Indies.
Australian players remain the most hesitant. Mitchell Starc’s wife, Alyssa Healy, described a distressing experience at Dharamsala. She mentioned how the stadium lights went out suddenly during a match, creating panic in a tense atmosphere. This incident has intensified safety concerns among Australian players.
Despite this, the Indian Cricket Board has asked franchises to retain overseas players. The IPL is set to resume, but uncertainty still surrounds the availability of some international stars. Team management and fans will be watching closely in the coming days.
Pakistan Super League (PSL)
The long-awaited moment has come up as PSL 10 has become alive again. This revival occurred after the Pakistan Cricket Board approved the remaining schedule for the tournament, which was also put on hold because of rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Now, as the situation has become normal, foreign players are returning to Pakistan.
Among the major ones confirming his coming back is Australian opener David Warner. He will rejoin Karachi Kings for the remaining few matches, and his availability is seen as a key addition to the league. Warner is joined by many other overseas stars who have signed on for the last leg. New Zealand players may miss the league due to their NOC issues, but PCB is in talks with the New Zealand cricket board.
Players like Ben McDermott, James Vince, Sikandar Raza, and Luke Wood are indeed up for a return. Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Najibullah Zadran have also confirmed their availability. Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis will join the Quetta Gladiators for the final showdown. These returns guarantee the fiercest overseas lineup in the remaining league.
The last eight matches of PSL 10 will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore: four matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, along with the playoffs and final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. With these international players returning, it is assured that an exciting and tough finish will characterize PSL 10.
Conclusion for Overseas Players Return to PSL and IPL After Border Tensions
The return of foreign players for the IPL and PSL remains uncertain. Security concerns, scheduling conflicts, and new regulations are the most crucial factors at play.Some players may come back, while some might put safety or international commitments first. The decisions made in the following days will dictate the fate of both leagues. These decisions will affect the composition of squads and overall competitiveness. As the situation develops, clarity on final rosters for both tournaments will further shape the remaining season.
