Seifert to replace Bethell for Bengaluru in IPL

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have signed New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert to replace England’s Jacob Bethell for the final leg of the Indian Premier League, the tournament's organisers said on Thursday.

Bethell is among several international players – including fellow Englishman Will Jacks – who will exit the IPL to resume national duties.

Bengaluru have signed Seifert, who has played 66 T20Is and has 1540 runs against his name, for $232,000.

"The replacement will be effective from 24 May, 2025," said the organisers in a statement.

Seifert is currently playing for Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League.

Bengaluru have already qualified for the play-offs starting 29 May along with Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings.

The IPL resumed last week after the conflict between India and Pakistan, forcing overseas players to revisit their season plans after the revised schedule of the T20 tournament.

The IPL will now end on 3 June, nine days later than planned.

That puts it on a collision course with the English summer of cricket and preparations for the World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa at Lord's.

Bethell has been named in the England ODI and T20 squads for home matches against the West Indies starting on 29 May.