In a major boost for Punjab Kings, South African all-rounder Marco Jansen is all set to rejoin the squad for the remainder of IPL 2025, following the week-long suspension of the tournament due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, Jansen is not the only overseas star returning—Australia’s promising pacer Xavier Bartlett, Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai, and Australian all-rounder Mitchell Owen have also confirmed their participation in the league’s final stretch.
However, uncertainty still surrounds the availability of some of Punjab’s other key overseas players. The trio of Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, and Aaron Hardie from Australia are yet to confirm their return. Inglis, notably, has been named in Australia’s Test squad for the World Test Championship final at Lord’s starting June 11, which could rule him out of the remaining IPL matches.
Jansen, too, is part of South Africa’s squad for the WTC final, and Punjab Kings management is currently in discussions to determine how long he can remain available before national duties call.
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Interestingly, while many overseas players flew home during the brief suspension, most of Punjab’s overseas support staff remained in India. Head coach Ricky Ponting, along with assistants Brad Haddin and James Hopes, stayed back to oversee preparations. Punjab Kings are set to resume training in Jaipur, which will serve as their new base for the remainder of the season.
It’s in times like these one really gets to know how much players value their teams and how much they desire to push,with what transpired in Dharamshala!
Marco Jensen is the one who I always wanted in Punjab before auction, him coming back means a lot to Punjab Fam!Marco Yaar❤️ pic.twitter.com/wmqaaiY38U
— Gagan Chawla (@toecrushrzzz) May 14, 2025
They have crucial matches lined up against the Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Mumbai Indians. Currently placed third on the points table with 15 points from 11 matches, Punjab had their 12th match against Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala abandoned midway due to the league’s suspension.
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The Indian Premier League resumes on Saturday, May 17, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Kolkata Knight Riders. Punjab Kings will return to action a day later, facing Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, May 18 in Jaipur, as the race for playoff spots intensifies with just 13 league matches and four playoff games remaining in IPL 2025.
