The Indian Premier League is set to resume on May 17 after being suspended due to India-Pakistan tensions. However, a big concern now is which overseas players will return to India for the remaining matches. While Cricket Australia has allowed its players to participate in the IPL, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has made a move that could hurt teams like RCB and Mumbai Indians.
ECB Announces Squad – RCB in Trouble?
The ECB has announced its squads for the upcoming ODI and T20 series against the West Indies, and it includes key IPL players such as Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Jos Buttler, and Jacob Bethell. These players are associated with teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians, both strong contenders for the IPL title. If these English players don’t return, it could severely affect the chances of these teams.
Harry Brook Named Captain Across Formats
Following poor performances in ICC tournaments, England has named Harry Brook as captain across all formats. The team will play a Test match against Zimbabwe on May 22, followed by three ODIs and three T20Is against the West Indies. The ODI series begins on May 29 at Edgbaston.
Five players who were also part of the IPL have been selected in both the ODI and T20 squads. This decision by the ECB might cause significant setbacks for IPL franchises. While there is still a possibility that some players may be allowed to return for the IPL, questions are being raised—if the board planned to release them for IPL, why were they named in the national squad at all?
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England’s ODI Squad:
Harry Brook (Captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Potts, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith
England’s T20I Squad:
Harry Brook (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Potts, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood
The final decision on whether these players will play in the IPL or national duty remains to be seen, but this development is certainly a worrying sign for some IPL franchises.
