IPL 2025: Decoding the player replacement process under new BCCI rules

Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to begin on Saturday, March 22 and ahead of the new season, a few player replacements have already been announced including one which ended up in a legal battle. The rules around player replacement became a matter of intrigue on social media after Corbin Bosch was included in the Mumbai Indian squad, replacing Lizaad Williams. Several reports on the internet claim that Corbin has allegedly breached his existing contract with Pakistan Super League (PSL), for playing in IPL 2025, leading to a legal battle from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Player Replacement Rules Explained

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) allows player replacements if a player suffers a season-ending injury or illness, either before or in between the tournament. As per the updated rules, BCCI has now extended the replacement window until a team's 12th group stage match, which was earlier limited to just 7 games.

1. The injury or illness happens during or before the 12th league match.
2. A BCCI-nominated doctor confirms that the injury or illness is season ending.
3. The player who suffered an injury or illness cannot play the remaining matches of the team.
4. Teams need to ensure that even after the replacement of players, the maximum number of players in the team cannot cross 25.
5. The replacing player must be listed in RAPP (Registered Available Player Pool) for the season.
6. His league fee cannot be lower than his reserve price set in the RAPP list.
7. The replacing player's contract fee cannot exceed with that of the outgoing player.
8. If recruited in between the season, his salary will be adjusted on the basis of the number of remaining matches.