Explained: The Player Replacement Rule in the IPL | Cricbuzz.com

**IPL 2025: A Comprehensive Guide to the Player Replacement Rule**

**By Vijay Tagore**

Last Updated On

Chetan Sakariya has been enlisted as a replacement for Umran Malik by the Kolkata Knight Riders © BCCI

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is yet to commence, several player replacements have already been announced, with one case escalating into a legal dispute. The transitions have generally been smooth, including Chetan Sakariya for Umran Malik at Kolkata Knight Riders, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman stepping in for Allah Ghazanfar with the Mumbai Indians, and Wiaan Mulder substituting for Brydon Carse at Sunrisers Hyderabad.

There is potential for additional replacements involving Shardul Thakur and Shivam Mavi, who may substitute any of the injured pace bowlers—Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, or Avesh Khan—in the Lucknow Super Giants squad. One replacement, however, has prompted a legal issue: Corbin Bosch, who replaced Lizaad Williams in the Mumbai Indians roster, faces possible legal action from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for allegedly breaching contractual obligations. Bosch is accused of bypassing his PSL contract for an IPL opportunity.

Before delving into specifics, it is essential to understand the rules governing player replacements in the IPL. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) permits replacements if a player suffers a season-ending injury or illness before or during the season. Notably, the BCCI has updated the rules this season to allow replacements until the 12th league match, extending from the previous limit of up to the seventh match.

### How Do Replacement Regulations Operate in the IPL?

To qualify as a Replacement Player, an individual must be registered in the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) list for the season, with his league fee for full availability no less than the reserve price he set on the RAPP list.

There are instances where franchises have bowlers listed as net bowlers on the RAPP list. However, these franchises cannot prevent a player from joining another team if approached. A replacement player can be acquired at a fee not exceeding that of the player he replaces.

“If a Replacement Player is recruited during a season, the League Fee actually paid to him will be adjusted to consider the franchise’s matches played before his registration and any other relevant deductions under the Player Contract,” elaborates the rule.

### How Do Replacement Rules Impact the Salary Cap?

The BCCI stipulates that “The League Fee for any Replacement Player signed under this paragraph will be exempt from the Salary Cap for that Season. Should a Replacement Player’s contract be extended, the League Fee for the following season will count against the Salary Cap.” All statutory IPL regulations apply. When signing replacement players, franchises must adhere to the 25-player squad composition rule.

From 2025 to 2027, franchises engaging replacement players may extend the contract period for subsequent seasons. “For clarity, if a franchise extends a replacement player’s contract, he shall be treated as any other player regarding squad composition and salary cap for future seasons,” as per BCCI guidelines.

Regarding mid-season replacements for injured players who have participated in matches, regulations specify that:

i) The injury or illness must occur during or before the team’s 12th League Match of the season;
ii) A BCCI-appointed doctor must confirm that the injury or illness is season-ending (meaning the player will not be fit until after the season, including Playoffs);
iii) The Player would have been available for all remaining matches, barring the injury or illness;
iv) Due to the injury or illness, the Player must miss the remainder of the League Matches that season.

**Note:** In such situations, the replaced Player may not participate in any further matches for the franchise during that season.

Returning to specifics, Mujeeb has been enlisted by MI for INR 2 Crore, replacing a player valued at INR 4.8 crore (Allah Ghazanfar). Mulder and Sakariya have joined SRH and KKR for their respective base prices of INR 75 lakh each. However, Bosch’s financial details remain unspecified. While he enlisted in the auction for INR 30 lakh and went unsold, Bosch replaced Lizaad Williams, secured by MI for INR 75 lakh. Bosch allegedly holds a contract valued between INR 50-75 lakh, having been selected in the Diamond category by Peshawar Zalmi (equivalent to USD 60,000-80,000) in the PSL draft.

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