England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow has made a big decision just before the IPL 2025 play-offs. On Tuesday, it was formally announced that he has joined the Mumbai Indians squad as a replacement signing.
This means he will miss some matches for his county side Yorkshire who are currently going through a tough season.
At 35, Bairstow is in the final phase of his cricketing career, and the chance to play in such a high-profile tournament once again was too big to pass up.
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Mumbai Indians brought him in as cover. His return to IPL comes at a time when Yorkshire are struggling near the bottom of the County Championship table.
Why is Yorkshire disappointed with Jonny Bairstow's decision?
Bairstow’s sudden departure hasn’t gone unnoticed at Yorkshire. The club’s general manager, Gavin Hamilton, admitted they are unhappy to lose their skipper, especially when the team is in a difficult position.
Though disappointed, Hamilton also accepted Bairstow had been honest from the beginning about his desire to play in the IPL. He said the club respects his decision and wishes him well.
“Whilst it is naturally disappointing to lose Jonny for the next few weeks, the opportunity for him to play in the final stages of the IPL at this stage in his career is huge," said Hamilton.
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"Jonny has been open with us around his desire to play in the IPL from our very first conversation with him, and we'd like to wish him the best of luck in the coming weeks,” he added.
What does Bairstow’s move mean for MI and IPL 2025?
Mumbai Indians are currently holding on to the last playoff spot and have two group games left. Bairstow’s arrival boosts their top order, especially with several overseas players like Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks leaving for international duties.
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Bairstow signed for ₹5.25 crore (around £458,000), and the team also brought in Richard Gleeson and Charith Asalanka as additional reinforcements.
Bairstow also shared his thoughts on Instagram, saying it wasn’t an easy call to make. He admitted he enjoyed captaining Yorkshire this year but couldn’t ignore the chance to play in the IPL play-offs.
Bairstow’s absence could also affect Yorkshire's opening T20 Blast matches, depending on how far Mumbai Indians go in the tournament. The IPL final is set for June 3, which overlaps with the start of England’s domestic T20 season.
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