IPL has been a spectrum for a decade that has showcased an altogether different level of cricket. It has been a breeding ground for numerous Indian as well as overseas youngsters who have gone on to do wonders for their national sides. Plenty of them became overnight sensations after doing well in the league and made names for themselves. The motive of introducing such a league was met when such players set the league on fire.

Over the years, there have been several international cricketers who have been regular parts of IPL. Such players graced the tournament with their sheer class and experience. They not only stood up with their performances for their franchises but also played the role of being mentors to young and aspiring cricketers.

But all do good things come to an end one day. Here are 5 players who might not play in IPL from next year:

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Mitchell-Johnson-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-126496 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Mitchell-Johnson-1.jpg" alt="Mitchell Johnson" width="600" height="417" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-126496" class="wp-caption-text">Mitchell Johnson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The Australian pacer retired from all forms of international cricket in the year 2015. He was known for his fiery pace bowling with a slinging action that decimated the batting line-ups. The highlight of his career will always remain from the Ashes 2013-14 where he tormented the English batsmen with his blazing spells that played a key role in Australia enforcing a 5-0 whitewash over their arch rivals.

In the IPL, he played for Mumbai Indians and then was picked up by Kings XI Punjab. In the auction earlier this year, he was once again picked by Mumbai Indians. This year, he played just the 3 games and bagged 2 wickets. Although he did well in the Big Bash League last year, yet his performances in IPL haven&#8217;t been close to his best. There are chances that the 35-year-old might not feature in the Indian league in the future.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/04/Brendon-McCullum-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-68697" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/04/Brendon-McCullum-1.jpg" alt="Brendon McCullum, Gujarat Lions" width="600" height="366" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68697" class="wp-caption-text">Brendon McCullum. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

The right-handed batsman was one of the bests in the game to have ever emerged from New Zealand. His explosive approach from the outset dictated terms during his peak which was transformed in his captaincy in the latter part of his career. He played a key role in taking his country to the final of the 2015 ODI World Cup. Not only that, he has been an integral part of IPL ever since the first season.

In the very first game of the league in 2008, he set the tournament ablaze with a magnificent 158 off just 73 balls. That innings really set the tone for IPL which became a major hit in the years to come. He played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Chennai Super Kings and represented Gujarat Lions for the last 2 years. He hung up his boots from international cricket in 2016 and post that, he hasn&#8217;t been the same batsman which is the reason why we might not see the 35-year-old in IPL again.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/04/Zaheer-Khan.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-131688" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/04/Zaheer-Khan.jpg" alt="Zaheer Khan" width="600" height="416" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-131688" class="wp-caption-text">Zaheer Khan. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

Perhaps the greatest ever fast bowler to have donned the Indian colors, Zaheer Khan was a masterful pacer during his prime. His ability to swing the new ball as well as to exploit the old ball for reverse swing was an unmatched quality. He was a key figure in India&#8217;s triumph in the 2011 ODI World Cup as well as India becoming number one in Tests. He called it quits from international cricket in 2015 but was still active in IPL.

In the Indian T20 league, he represented Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. He captained the Delhi Daredevils side this year and with his performances, didn&#8217;t look like he was out of action for long. The 38-year-old had expressed his desire to play for one more year in the last season and there is no confirmation whether he would play next year or not. If he decides not to continue, that would be it for an amazing career of a champion fast bowler.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Shane-Watson.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-68998" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Shane-Watson.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="600" height="406" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68998" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

The Australian all-rounder made a mark in the IPL from the very first season. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, he played a vital role with both bat and bowl and helped them win the inaugural title. He was adjudged the Player of the Tournament. Post that season, he had a very successful career for his national side as he represented Australia in all the 3 formats of the game. He retired from international cricket in the year 2016.

After the Royals, he played for Royal Challengers Bangalore for a number of years. But his recent performances in IPL haven&#8217;t been that good and have led to his exclusion from the playing XI multiple times. He had a poor run in the 2017 edition and failed to come good in both departments of the game. Next year, the franchises will retain certain players before the auction and Watson might not be one of them. There is not yet an official word whether he would return or not but after his dismal show this year, there are chances that he might not attract bids next year if he indeed comes back.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Chris-Gayle-3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-70320" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Chris-Gayle-3.jpg" alt="Chris Gayle" width="600" height="413" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-70320" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

The IPL has not been impacted by an overseas player more than Chris Gayle ever. He has been one of the biggest crowd pullers in the league and the fans have turned up time and time again to witness the big man at work. He hasn&#8217;t been the most consistent batsman but whenever he is on song, there is no better sight to watch in the shortest format of the game. He has a phenomenal record in IPL and not many have been able to match his caliber.

Initially, he played for Kolkata Knight Riders but a big change in the fortunes arrived when he was picked to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore. The big Jamaican played so many impactful innings that single-handedly won the games for the side. But the story has been a little different this year. He managed to score just 200 runs in 9 games and batted at a strike rate of 122.7 which was nowhere close to the best of Gayle. He is now 37 years old and the age certainly seems like taking a toll on his body. There are uncertainties whether we would see him again in IPL and if he doesn&#8217;t get to play again, there will be a huge void that will be very hard to fill.

<p>IPL has been a spectrum for a decade that has showcased an altogether different level of cricket. It has been a breeding ground for numerous Indian as well as overseas youngsters who have gone on to do wonders for their national sides. Plenty of them became overnight sensations after doing well in the league and made names for themselves. The motive of introducing such a league was met when such players set the league on fire.</p>
<p>Over the years, there have been several international cricketers who have been regular parts of IPL. Such players graced the tournament with their sheer class and experience. They not only stood up with their performances for their franchises but also played the role of being mentors to young and aspiring cricketers.</p>
<p>But all do good things come to an end one day. Here are 5 players who might not play in IPL from next year:</p>
<h3>#5 Mitchell Johnson</h3>
<figure id="attachment_126496" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-126496" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Mitchell-Johnson-1.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-126496 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Mitchell-Johnson-1.jpg" alt="Mitchell Johnson" width="600" height="417" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-126496" class="wp-caption-text">Mitchell Johnson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Australian pacer retired from all forms of international cricket in the year 2015. He was known for his fiery pace bowling with a slinging action that decimated the batting line-ups. The&nbsp;highlight of his career will always remain from the Ashes 2013-14 where he tormented the English batsmen with his blazing spells that played a key role in Australia enforcing a 5-0 whitewash over their arch rivals.</p>
<p>In the IPL, he played for Mumbai Indians and then was picked up by Kings XI Punjab. In the auction earlier this year, he was once again picked by Mumbai Indians. This year, he played just the 3 games and bagged 2 wickets. Although he did well in the Big Bash League last year, yet his performances in IPL haven’t been close to his best. There are chances that the 35-year-old might not feature in the Indian league in the future.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>#4 Brendon McCullum</h3>
<figure id="attachment_68697" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68697" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/04/Brendon-McCullum-1.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-68697" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/04/Brendon-McCullum-1.jpg" alt="Brendon McCullum, Gujarat Lions" width="600" height="366" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68697" class="wp-caption-text">Brendon McCullum. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The right-handed batsman was one of the bests in the game to have ever emerged from New Zealand. His explosive approach from the outset dictated terms during his peak which was transformed in his captaincy in the latter part of his career. He played a key role in taking his country to the final of the 2015 ODI World Cup. Not only that, he has been an integral part of IPL ever since the first season.</p>
<p>In the very first game of the league in 2008, he set the tournament ablaze with a magnificent 158 off just 73 balls. That innings&nbsp;really set the tone for IPL which became a major hit in the years to come. He played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Chennai Super Kings and represented Gujarat Lions for the last 2 years. He hung up his boots from international cricket in 2016 and post that, he hasn’t been the same batsman which is the reason why we might not see the 35-year-old in IPL again.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>#3 Zaheer Khan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_131688" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-131688" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/04/Zaheer-Khan.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-131688" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/04/Zaheer-Khan.jpg" alt="Zaheer Khan" width="600" height="416" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-131688" class="wp-caption-text">Zaheer Khan. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Perhaps the greatest ever fast bowler to have donned the Indian colors, Zaheer Khan was a masterful pacer during his prime. His ability to swing the new ball as well as to exploit the old ball for reverse swing was an unmatched quality. He was a key figure in India’s triumph in the 2011 ODI World Cup as well as India becoming number one in Tests. He called it quits from international cricket in 2015 but was still active in IPL.</p>
<p>In the Indian T20 league, he represented Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. He captained the Delhi Daredevils side this year and with his performances, didn’t look like he was out of action for long. The 38-year-old had expressed his desire to play for one more year in the last season and there is no confirmation whether he would play next year or not. If he decides not to continue, that would be it for an amazing career of a champion fast bowler.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>#2 Shane Watson</h3>
<figure id="attachment_68998" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68998" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Shane-Watson.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-68998" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Shane-Watson.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="600" height="406" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68998" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Australian all-rounder made a mark in the IPL from the very first season. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, he played a vital role with both bat and bowl and helped them win the inaugural title. He was adjudged the Player of the Tournament. Post that season, he had a very successful career for his national side as he represented Australia in all the 3 formats of the game. He retired from international cricket in the year 2016.</p>
<p>After the Royals, he played for Royal Challengers Bangalore for a number of years. But his recent performances in IPL haven’t been that good and have led to his exclusion from the playing XI multiple times. He had a poor run in the 2017 edition and failed to come good in both departments of the game. Next year, the franchises will retain certain players before the auction and Watson might not be one of them. There is not yet an official word whether he would return or not but after his dismal show this year, there are chances that he might not attract bids next year if he indeed comes back.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>#1 Chris Gayle</h3>
<figure id="attachment_70320" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-70320" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Chris-Gayle-3.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-70320" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Chris-Gayle-3.jpg" alt="Chris Gayle" width="600" height="413" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-70320" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The IPL has not been impacted by an overseas player more than Chris Gayle ever. He has been one of the biggest crowd pullers in the league and the fans have turned up time and time again to witness the big man at work. He hasn’t been the most consistent batsman but whenever he is on song, there is no better sight to watch in the shortest format of the game. He has a phenomenal record in IPL and not many have been able to match his caliber.</p>
<p>Initially, he played for Kolkata Knight Riders but a big change in the fortunes arrived when he was picked to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore. The big Jamaican played so many impactful innings that single-handedly won the games for the side. But the story has been a little different this year. He managed to score just 200 runs in 9 games and batted at a strike rate of 122.7 which was nowhere close to the best of Gayle. He is now 37 years old and the age certainly seems like taking a toll on his body. There are uncertainties whether we would see him again in IPL and if he doesn’t get to play again, there will be a huge void that will be very hard to fill.</p>

<p>IPL has been a spectrum for a decade that has showcased an altogether different level of cricket. It has been a breeding ground for numerous Indian as well as overseas youngsters who have gone on to do wonders for their national sides. Plenty of them became overnight sensations after doing well in the league and made names for themselves. The motive of introducing such a league was met when such players set the league on fire.</p>
<p>Over the years, there have been several international cricketers who have been regular parts of IPL. Such players graced the tournament with their sheer class and experience. They not only stood up with their performances for their franchises but also played the role of being mentors to young and aspiring cricketers.</p>
<p>But all do good things come to an end one day. Here are 5 players who might not play in IPL from next year:</p>
<h3>#5 Mitchell Johnson</h3>
<figure id="attachment_126496" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-126496" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Mitchell-Johnson-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-126496 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Mitchell-Johnson-1.jpg" alt="Mitchell Johnson" width="600" height="417" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-126496" class="wp-caption-text">Mitchell Johnson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Australian pacer retired from all forms of international cricket in the year 2015. He was known for his fiery pace bowling with a slinging action that decimated the batting line-ups. The highlight of his career will always remain from the Ashes 2013-14 where he tormented the English batsmen with his blazing spells that played a key role in Australia enforcing a 5-0 whitewash over their arch rivals.</p>
<p>In the IPL, he played for Mumbai Indians and then was picked up by Kings XI Punjab. In the auction earlier this year, he was once again picked by Mumbai Indians. This year, he played just the 3 games and bagged 2 wickets. Although he did well in the Big Bash League last year, yet his performances in IPL haven&#8217;t been close to his best. There are chances that the 35-year-old might not feature in the Indian league in the future.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>#4 Brendon McCullum</h3>
<figure id="attachment_68697" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68697" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/04/Brendon-McCullum-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-68697" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/04/Brendon-McCullum-1.jpg" alt="Brendon McCullum, Gujarat Lions" width="600" height="366" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68697" class="wp-caption-text">Brendon McCullum. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The right-handed batsman was one of the bests in the game to have ever emerged from New Zealand. His explosive approach from the outset dictated terms during his peak which was transformed in his captaincy in the latter part of his career. He played a key role in taking his country to the final of the 2015 ODI World Cup. Not only that, he has been an integral part of IPL ever since the first season.</p>
<p>In the very first game of the league in 2008, he set the tournament ablaze with a magnificent 158 off just 73 balls. That innings really set the tone for IPL which became a major hit in the years to come. He played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Chennai Super Kings and represented Gujarat Lions for the last 2 years. He hung up his boots from international cricket in 2016 and post that, he hasn&#8217;t been the same batsman which is the reason why we might not see the 35-year-old in IPL again.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>#3 Zaheer Khan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_131688" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-131688" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/04/Zaheer-Khan.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-131688" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/04/Zaheer-Khan.jpg" alt="Zaheer Khan" width="600" height="416" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-131688" class="wp-caption-text">Zaheer Khan. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Perhaps the greatest ever fast bowler to have donned the Indian colors, Zaheer Khan was a masterful pacer during his prime. His ability to swing the new ball as well as to exploit the old ball for reverse swing was an unmatched quality. He was a key figure in India&#8217;s triumph in the 2011 ODI World Cup as well as India becoming number one in Tests. He called it quits from international cricket in 2015 but was still active in IPL.</p>
<p>In the Indian T20 league, he represented Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. He captained the Delhi Daredevils side this year and with his performances, didn&#8217;t look like he was out of action for long. The 38-year-old had expressed his desire to play for one more year in the last season and there is no confirmation whether he would play next year or not. If he decides not to continue, that would be it for an amazing career of a champion fast bowler.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>#2 Shane Watson</h3>
<figure id="attachment_68998" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-68998" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Shane-Watson.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-68998" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Shane-Watson.jpg" alt="Shane Watson" width="600" height="406" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-68998" class="wp-caption-text">Shane Watson. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Australian all-rounder made a mark in the IPL from the very first season. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, he played a vital role with both bat and bowl and helped them win the inaugural title. He was adjudged the Player of the Tournament. Post that season, he had a very successful career for his national side as he represented Australia in all the 3 formats of the game. He retired from international cricket in the year 2016.</p>
<p>After the Royals, he played for Royal Challengers Bangalore for a number of years. But his recent performances in IPL haven&#8217;t been that good and have led to his exclusion from the playing XI multiple times. He had a poor run in the 2017 edition and failed to come good in both departments of the game. Next year, the franchises will retain certain players before the auction and Watson might not be one of them. There is not yet an official word whether he would return or not but after his dismal show this year, there are chances that he might not attract bids next year if he indeed comes back.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>#1 Chris Gayle</h3>
<figure id="attachment_70320" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-70320" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Chris-Gayle-3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-70320" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Chris-Gayle-3.jpg" alt="Chris Gayle" width="600" height="413" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-70320" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The IPL has not been impacted by an overseas player more than Chris Gayle ever. He has been one of the biggest crowd pullers in the league and the fans have turned up time and time again to witness the big man at work. He hasn&#8217;t been the most consistent batsman but whenever he is on song, there is no better sight to watch in the shortest format of the game. He has a phenomenal record in IPL and not many have been able to match his caliber.</p>
<p>Initially, he played for Kolkata Knight Riders but a big change in the fortunes arrived when he was picked to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore. The big Jamaican played so many impactful innings that single-handedly won the games for the side. But the story has been a little different this year. He managed to score just 200 runs in 9 games and batted at a strike rate of 122.7 which was nowhere close to the best of Gayle. He is now 37 years old and the age certainly seems like taking a toll on his body. There are uncertainties whether we would see him again in IPL and if he doesn&#8217;t get to play again, there will be a huge void that will be very hard to fill.</p>

We could well have seen the last of these legendary players in IPL

5 players who might not play the IPL again

IPL has been a spectrum for a decade that has showcased an altogether different level of cricket. It has been a breeding ground for numerous Indian as well