In a recent development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new clause regarding player replacements for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. This new rule allows all franchises, including CSK, RCB, MI, and KKR, to manage unforeseen situations during the upcoming tournament.
Key players from Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to miss a few games. Rahul is expected to be unavailable for the first few games due to the birth of his child. Meanwhile, MI might be without Jasprit Bumrah for the first two weeks as he continues his rehabilitation from a back injury.
BCCI Allows Franchises to Sign Players Temporarily in IPL 2025
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the BCCI has informed all ten IPL franchises about new guidelines for player replacements, specifically addressing injury-related substitutions and introducing a new player pool system.
The Indian board also announced the creation of a pool called the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP), from which teams can recruit temporary replacements.
While teams cannot replace players for short-term unavailability, the BCCI has made an exception for wicketkeepers. Franchises can bring in a temporary replacement if their primary wicketkeeper is unavailable. Franchises must meet strict guidelines before being granted a replacement.
Replacements for Season-Ending Injuries: Guidelines and Conditions
A player who suffers a season-ending injury or illness may be replaced, even if they have already played in a league match during the season.
i) The said injury or illness occurs during or before the 12th League Match
ii) A doctor nominated by the BCCI confirms that the injury or illness is season ending (i.e. it means the Player will not be match fit until after the end of the Season (including the Playoffs);
iii) Absent the injury or illness, the Player would have been available for all of the remaining Matches in the Season
Additional Replacement Scenarios
Replacement players will only be permitted if a player is entirely unavailable for the entire season due to specific circumstances outlined by the BCCI.
(a) FTP commitment of a Player
(b) no NOC from the national cricket board or State Association
(c) injury or illness (to be certified by a home board medical expert and a doctor nominated by the BCCI)
(d) retirement from all professional cricket, including domestic cricket. Retirement from the IPL is not sufficient
(e) any other valid reason approved by the BCCI.
The new IPL rules, especially the short-term replacement option for wicketkeepers, provide teams with greater flexibility. This provision existed before, but it has never been used in the tournament’s history.
The introduction of the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) ensures that teams can recruit replacements fairly and transparently. For instance, if any team has only two specialist wicketkeepers and both suffer injuries, they can bring in a replacement from the RAPP list to cover the position.
Also read: Mitchell Starc drops bombshell, claims India had ‘unfair advantage’ in CT 2025
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