And here we go again. Another IPL and there yet again cloud over players’ availability for the entirety of the tournament. With England set to host Pakistan from May 22-30 ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, many England stars have been recalled. And that impacts most of the teams. However, with IPL 2024 Playoffs set to begin on May 21, franchises are still unclear whether England players will be available. BCCI is currently negotiating with the England & Wales Cricket Board for an extended stay and the Indian board is hopeful.
“It’s difficult for all teams when they plan for the whole tournament with specific players in mind but then the respective cricket boards recall them for a bilateral series. We are trying to persuade the ECB to extend the stay. And we are hopeful that some of the players will be available for the playoffs stage,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.
Franchises not happy
However, some franchises are unhappy with the ECB’s move to recall the players. Some of the franchises with England players have already spoken to BCCI about the players’ availability. The ECB promised the Indian board that all players would be available for the entire duration of the IPL barring any injuries. But that’s not the case anymore.
“There are a lot of planning involved during the auction. We only pick players after BCCI assures us of players’ availability. But time and again, we have seen that change during IPL. It makes things difficult for us. We can understand if there is an injury. But the board pulling their players out does not help our situation. We have spoken to the BCCI and hope they sort this issue,” one franchise official told InsideSport.
England white-ball skipper Jos Buttler plays a key role in Rajasthan Royals, who are favourites to win the IPL 2024 title. However, Buttler will leave IPL after RR’s home match against Punjab Kings on May 15. Buttler won’t be available for the IPL 2024 Playoffs.
Punjab Kings will be the worst-hit team if all England players return home. PBKS have three first-team players including stand-in captain Sam Curran, who is leading the side with Shikhar Dhawan injured. Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone are the other two.
England players in IPL 2024
| Player | Franchise | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jos Buttler | Rajasthan Royals | Leaving |
| Moeen Ali | Chennai Super Kings | Unclear |
| Jonny Bairstow | Punjab Kings | Leaving |
| Sam Curran | Punjab Kings | Unclear |
| Liam Livingstone | Punjab Kings | Unclear |
| Phil Salt | Kolkata Knight Riders | Staying |
| Reece Topley | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Unclear |
| Will Jacks | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Unclear |
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