England’s selection of Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, and Will Jacks for the ODI series against West Indies has raised doubts over their availability for the IPL playoffs.
England has named five players currently contracted in the IPL for the upcoming ODI series against West Indies. Since the revised IPL schedule now clashes with the ODI series, there’s uncertainty surrounding whether Buttler, Bethell, and Jacks will be available to play in the playoffs for their respective franchises.
The IPL, which was temporarily suspended due to escalating border tensions between India and Pakistan, is set to resume this Saturday. The final is scheduled for June 3—the same day as the third ODI between England and West Indies. The first two ODIs are on May 29 and June 1. The IPL league stage ends on May 27, and the playoffs begin on May 29.
On Tuesday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced a 16-member squad for the three-match ODI series. Among them are Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals) and Jamie Overton (Chennai Super Kings), whose franchises have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
However, Buttler (Gujarat Titans), Bethell (Royal Challengers Bangalore), and Jacks (Mumbai Indians) are all part of franchises still in strong contention for playoff spots.
RCB’s other two English players, Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt, were not included in the ODI squad. However, Salt was retained in the T20I squad to face the West Indies. The three-match T20I series will begin on June 6—just three days after the IPL final.
West Indies players Romario Shepherd (RCB) and Sherfane Rutherford (Gujarat Titans), who are part of their ODI squad, are also uncertain for the IPL’s final stages. Shamar Joseph of Lucknow Super Giants is also in the squad, though his team is less likely to reach the playoffs.
Initially, the IPL final was scheduled for May 25, and the ECB had issued NOCs (No Objection Certificates) for players until that date. Now, with the revised IPL dates, the ECB says the situation is under review.
“We are keen to help IPL and BCCI execute their schedule and support players wishing to return. The NOCs were originally granted based on the original IPL schedule, so the possibility of extending that needs to be reviewed—especially given the conflict with our white-ball fixtures. We will continue to work closely with BCCI and the IPL,” said an ECB spokesperson on Tuesday.
Following the suspension of the IPL last Friday due to military clashes between India and Pakistan, English players returned home. On Tuesday, 10 England players with IPL contracts are scheduled to meet with the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) to discuss security concerns before potentially returning to India.
This ODI series carries significant importance for England. It will be their first white-ball series under new captain Harry Brook, who replaces Jos Buttler after England’s disappointing Champions Trophy campaign.
These upcoming matches are also crucial for qualification to the 2027 ODI World Cup. The top eight teams in ICC rankings as of March 2027 will qualify directly. Currently, England are ranked eighth and West Indies ninth.
Spin-bowling all-rounder Liam Dawson, a member of England’s 2019 World Cup-winning squad, has been called up to the T20I team and is eyeing a return to international cricket after nearly three years.
Left-arm spinner Tom Hartley has been named in the ODI squad. He has played two ODIs, both in September 2023. Fast bowler Brydon Carse has returned to both squads.
England 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, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith.
England T20I Squad
Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood.
