The BCCI and ECB are negotiating the availability of England’s white-ball players for the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs. England players like Jos Buttler and Phil Salt may miss the upcoming four-match T20I series against Pakistan, to be available for the playoffs of the Indian T20 tournament.
With the ongoing T20 tournament crossing the halfway point, teams are fighting for a place in the top four. Rajasthan Royals (RR) top the points table, closely followed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The teams have all but secured their spot in the playoffs while other teams are competing for the remaining spots.
The IPL playoffs will be held from May 21 to 26 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The playoff schedule coincides with England’s four-match home T20I series against Pakistan. This scheduling conflict presents a challenge for the English players taking part in both competitions.
The ECB clarified that the players selected for the T20 World Cup will have to return to national service from May 22 for the home series against Pakistan. England team general manager Rob Key stated that captain Jos Buttler was in favor of England players withdrawing from the IPL playoffs.
“Selected players currently playing in the Indian Premier League will return in time for the series against Pakistan, starting at Headingley on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.” was the explanation.
Franchises are in no mood to release their English players
According to a report in Times of India, the franchises are in no mood to release their English players at this stage as the ECB had already assured the availability of their players for the entire duration of the tournament ahead of the IPL auction in December last year.
“The franchises are in no mood to release their England players at this stage of the tournament, as they had planned to do at the auction. Discussions are currently underway between the BCCI and the ECB to find a solution.” Output,” A source was quoted by TOI.
“Yes, the BCCI has taken up this (with the ECB). I hope that the ECB will keep the commitment it made before the auction. This kind of ad hoc withdrawal of players.” will have consequences,” added another source.
ECB announces England’s T20 World Cup squad
The ECB recently announced a 15-man squad for the Pakistan series and T20 World Cup, which includes Buttler, Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Moeen Ali, Reece Topley, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone. However, these players’ teams are still in the race for the IPL 2024 playoffs.
England squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup: Jos Buttler (c/wk), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley and Mark Wood.
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