Explained: Why Overseas Players In IPL Won't Be Punished If They Refuse To Return

Why overseas players won't be punished [Source: AP Photo]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is set to commence after brief suspension last week due to the conflicts at the border between India and Pakistan. The league was suspended for an indefinite period, but with the situation getting better the tournament is set to begin this week.

However, the league could be in jeopardy as many foreign players are unwilling to return for the remainder of the IPL, and it could derail the qualification hopes of many of the franchises. Normally, when a player doesn't return and fulfils his IPL contract, the league punishes the player, by either putting in a hefty fine or by banning him from the league, as happened with Harry Brook.

Why overseas players won't be punished by IPL

However, if the IPL starts this week and the overseas players don't return, then, in that case, they won't be fined or punished and here's why.

All the players in their IPL contract have a force majeure clause added which excuses players/individuals from fulfilling their contracts in case of an extraordinary event which is beyond their control.

Ahead of IPL 2025 season, BCCI introduced a new rule, stating that any player who voluntarily pulls out of the IPL after being picked in the mega auction, then the player was banned from participating in the league for the next two seasons, however, force majeure clause exempts this rule.

However, it will be interesting to see which players are unwilling to return and how will it affect the team's combinations.

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