The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is witnessing an early exodus of some of its biggest stars from England. These players are prioritizing domestic duty over the remaining matches of the league phase in preparation for the upcoming four-match T20I series against Pakistan starting on May 22.
Buttler says goodbye, Royals face opening deficit
Rajasthan Royals (RR) suffered a major setback with the departure of their swashbuckling opener Jos Buttler. The England T20I captain played a crucial role in RR’s success, scoring 359 runs in 11 games, including a match-winning century. An emotional farewell video posted by RR reflected the team’s mood and wished Buttler well with the caption: “We will miss you Jos Bhai!”
Buttler’s departure underlines the ongoing challenge for England players to balance their IPL commitments with national team commitments. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had earlier clarified that the players selected for the T20 World Cup squad must return from the IPL before the Pakistan series. This decision is in line with England’s strategy to promote team unity and build momentum ahead of the world tournament.
Impact on other teams: Major departures across the league
The early exit of English players goes beyond the Royals. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be without their explosive opener Phil Salt, who scored an impressive 435 runs in just 12 games. Likewise, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will lack the experience of Moeen Ali, who may also have to sit out their crucial match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on May 18.
While some franchises like Punjab Kings are already out of the playoff race and Liam Livingstone can return to England for rest and recuperation, others like KKR and CSK are facing a dilemma. Their playoff ambitions could be hurt by the absence of these key players.
The departures of these England stars raise questions about player availability and scheduling conflicts between international cricket and lucrative franchise leagues such as the IPL. As the T20 World Cup approaches, it will be interesting to see if other franchises face similar player availability challenges in the crucial playoff stages of the IPL.
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