As the IPL 2025 season is yet to begin, multiple teams have already announced their player replacements. Although most of the changes went smoothly, one change resulted in a legal dispute. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have replaced Umran Malik with Chetan Sakariya, Mumbai Indians (MI) have brought in Mujeeb-ur-Rahman for Allah Ghazanfar, and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have signed Wiaan Mulder in place of Brydon Carse.
However, Mumbai Indians’ signing of Corbin Bosch as a replacement for Lizard Williams has stirred controversy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has objected to this as Bosch was reportedly under contract to a Pakistan Super League (PSL) team.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) may also announce some changes soon. Shardul Thakur and Shivam Mavi are considered to be the possible replacements, as their team’s fast bowlers Mayank Yadav, Mohit Khan and Avesh Khan are injured.
IPL replacement rules and impact of salary cap
As per BCCI rules:
- A player can only be replaced if he is injured for the entire season.
- This time BCCI has extended the replacement deadline from the earlier 7 matches to 12 league matches.
- The name of the player for replacement must be included in the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP).
- A player’s salary cannot be less than his base price as set out in his RAPP list.
Salary cap rules
- The replacement player cannot be paid a salary greater than the same amount as the removed player was receiving.
- If a player joins mid-season, his payment will be based on the time he joined.
- The replacement player’s salary will not be included in the team’s salary cap.
- If the replacement player is retained for the next season (2026, 2027), he will be considered a regular player.
Rules for mid-season replacement
- If a player gets injured before the 12th league match, he may be replaced.
- The doctor appointed by the BCCI will have to confirm that the player is out for the entire season.
- Once replaced, the original player cannot return to the team in the same season.
Financial Aspects: Major Replacement Costs
- Mujeeb-ur-Rahman (MI): ₹2 crore (replaced Allahu Ghazanfar, ₹4.8 crore).
- Wiaan Mulder (SRH) and Chetan Sakariya (KKR): ₹75 lakh (base price).
- Corbin Bosch: Unsold in the initial auction (₹30 lakh), but his PSL contract is said to be between $60,000-80,000 (₹50-75 lakh).
Corbin Bosch controversy: Legal trouble?
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has objected to Corbin Bosch’s IPL contract as, according to reports, he was already contracted with PSL team Peshawar Zalmi. If proven, it would be a breach of his Pakistan Super League (PSL) contract, which could lead to legal action.
Many teams are already making squad changes ahead of the start of IPL 2025. More replacements are expected in the coming weeks, making this season a headline-grabber even after the auction.