The IPL 2025 is set to resume on 17th May with the contest between RCB & KKR at Bengaluru. The likes of Jos Buttler (GT), Jacob Bethell (RCB) & Will Jacks (RCB) might not play all fixtures, especially the playoffs. England is all set to play an ODI series against the West Indies, commencing from 29th May and the trio are named in the squad.
England is entering a new era under the captaincy of Harry Brook. The presence of Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell & Will Jacks will be very much pivotal. England had a disastrous ICC CT 2025 where they failed to go to Semi Finals and the ODI track record since 2023 ODI WC hasn’t been that encouraging as well.
ECB’s sturdy take on player availability
England & Wales Cricket Board issued a statement when contacted by ESPNcricinfo. ECB made it very clear that NOC were granted for original dates. ECB though said that they will work closely with BCCI & IPL to find a way out of the critical situation.
“No Objection Certificates have been granted based on the original IPL dates, so we’ll need to review any potential extensions, particularly in relation to any clash with the final white-ball squad,” said ECB in a statement
“We’re keen to support the IPL and the BCCI in getting the schedule up and running, and to facilitate players’ return should they choose to go back. We’ll continue to work closely with the BCCI and the IPL as the situation develops,” they added.
Are there concerns for England or IPL franchises
Jos Buttler has amassed 500 runs in 11 matches for GT & has been the backbone of the side. It’s almost a certainty that GT will qualify for playoffs given they have 16 points in 11 matches. If we look at MI, then Will Jacks (*195 runs in 11 matches & taken 5 wickets), MI have 14 points to their name in 12 matches. RCB’s Jacob (*67 runs in 2 matches), RCB have 16 points in 11 matches with 3 matches
All the above 3 teams quickly need to look for a replacement if the ECB pulls them out of the tournament. There is NOC given for every date and given unexpected circumstances in India, it’s now up to BCCI & ECB & IPL franchises to find a middle ground and we should not forget the importance of International cricket in these chaos which already has started to diminish.