Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, and Will Jacks find themselves at a crossroads with their participation in the IPL playoffs uncertain due to their inclusion in England’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against West Indies. The situation arose after the IPL was paused because of tensions between India and Pakistan, and now resumes with new dates clashing with England’s series.
Initially, the ECB had ensured that players with central contracts, like Buttler, would be available for the IPL via a commitment made prior to the November mega auction. This arrangement meant that Bethell was deliberately not chosen for England’s Test squad against Zimbabwe. However, this understanding was based on the original IPL schedule. Now, with the IPL final rescheduled to June 3, conflicts with national duties loom large.
An England squad of 16 was announced for the series against West Indies, commencing on 29 May. Meanwhile, the revised IPL schedule sees group matches conclude on 27 May, with playoffs starting the same day as England’s first ODI. The franchises of Buttler (Gujarat Titans), Bethell (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), and Jacks (Mumbai Indians) are all strongly positioned to reach these closing stages.
“We want to assist the IPL and the BCCI in realigning the schedule, and we’re open to players returning if they opt to,” an ECB spokesperson noted on Tuesday, adding that No Objection Certificates (NOCs) were initially granted for the original IPL timeframe. “Should extensions occur, especially regarding any white-ball squad clashes, we’ll reassess and stay in close contact with the BCCI and IPL.”
In somewhat related news, Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton, included in England’s ODI line-up, play for Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings respectively, though both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention. Meanwhile, RCB’s other English players, Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt, differ in their commitments. Salt is set for T20Is from 6 June, while Livingstone has been omitted from the ODI squad.
On the West Indies side, Romario Shepherd (RCB) and Sherfane Rutherford (GT) face similar quandaries. Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants’ Shamar Joseph is unlikely to worry about playoffs, given his team’s current position.
These player decisions could impact upcoming World Cup seeding, as the England-West Indies series is a key battleground for automatic qualification. With both teams hovering around crucial spots, balancing club and international duties will be vital.
– Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks
– England vs West Indies ODI Series
– Indian Premier League
Matt Roller, Assistant Editor at ESPNcricinfo. @mroller98
