Kusal Mendis Ditches PSL Due to ‘Safety’ Concerns, Joins Gujarat Titans to Play in the IPL Instead

Citing safety reasons, Sri Lankan Kusal Mendis is the latest player to join the IPL from the PSL, replacing Jos Buttler at Gujarat Titans mid-way.

Kusal Mendis Ditches PSL Due to ‘Safety’ Concerns, Joins Gujarat Titans to Play in the IPL Instead

Kusal Mendis has signed for IPL side Gujarat Titans, leaving the PSL midway through the season due to security concerns. (via Instagram)

Amidst the replacement saga in the 2025 IPL season, Sri Lankan wicket-keeper batter Kusal Mendis has become the latest player to transfer from the Pakistan Super League to an IPL franchise, citing security concerns. Mendis is expected to join Gujarat Titans, as a replacement for Jos Buttler.

The 2025 IPL season faced an unforeseen week-long suspension due to India-Pakistan cross-tensions. Following a ceasefire agreement between the two countries, the BCCI subsequently decided to restart the IPL on May 17, with a revised schedule. However, the IPL’s rescheduling, which has pushed its conclusion over a week later than it was planned on May 25, has created problems for the teams in terms of player availability.

Several overseas players departed India after the tournament’s suspension on May 8. With the season resuming soon, a good chunk of them might not return, owing to their prior national commitments.

Players from England, South Africa, and Australia have either already withdrawn or are anticipated to leave by May 25th. As a result, the BCCI announced a new replacement rule for the remainder of the season.

The franchises have been allowed to sign temporary replacement players for the final leg. However, the new rule prohibits teams from retaining these players, next season. Table-toppers Gujarat Titans have benefited the most from this rule, with Sri Lankan Kusal Mendis being signed as a replacement for Jos Buttler, who will miss out on the play-offs this season, due to national duty.

Buttler is a part of England’s white-ball squad for their home series against the West Indies, which begins on May 29, clashing directly with the IPL’s new schedule. It prompted GT to sign Mendis for INR 75 lakhs, with the batter expected to join the team on May 26. The 30-year-old comes off the back of a decent PSL campaign, having scored 143 runs at an average of 35.75 in eight games for high-flying Quetta Gladiators. 

Interestingly, Mendis cited ‘safety concerns’ as his reason for leaving the 2025 PSL, mid-season. His last game for Quetta was on May 7, after which the tournament was also halted due to the India-Pakistan tensions.

South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch was the first to depart, after he was roped in by Mumbai Indians as an injury replacement for Lizaad Williams. He has been handed a one-year ban from the PSL for leaving despite being contracted with Peshawar Zalmi. Meanwhile, for Kusal Mendis, he replaces the in-form Jos Buttler, who has scored 500 runs in 11 matches for GT this season.

Charith Asalanka could be second Sri Lankan player after Kusal Mendis to join the IPL as a temporary replacement

Sri Lanka’s white-ball captain Charith Asalanka could be the next player, after national teammate Kusal Mendis, to join the IPL as a mid-season temporary replacement. Mumbai Indians are in talks with the all-rounder to sign for the five-time winners solely for the play-offs, starting May 29. 

Charith Asalanka Mumbai Indians replacement
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka has been contacted by Mumbai Indians, as a play-offs replacement. (via Telangana Today)

MI will be missing out on the services of overseas stars Corbin Bosch, Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks, in the play-offs. The trio will depart possible on May 26, for national duty. MI have contacted Asalanka to join the side for the remainder of the season. The 27-year-old will be the fifth player, after Kusal Mendis, Mustafizur Rahman, William O’Rourke and Kyle Jamieson, as a temporary replacement. 

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have also reportedly identified two other replacements for the 2025 IPL play-offs. Jonny Bairstow and Richard Gleeson are expected to be a part of the side, once the three overseas players depart after MI’s qualification.