Negotiations on between BCCI and ECB for England players’ availability in IPL playoffs
In a surprising turn of events, England’s white-ball players may not be available for the IPL playoffs due to their commitment to the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA & West Indies in June. Negotiations are currently underway between the BCCI and the ECB to secure their availability during this crucial time of the league, according to sources.
The decision to potentially withdraw English players from the IPL playoffs was reportedly pushed by white-ball captain Jos Buttler, causing frustration among the franchises. Prior to the IPL auction last year, the ECB had confirmed the availability of their players for the entire duration of the tournament, leading to disappointment among the teams who had planned accordingly.
“The franchises are in no mood to release their England players at this stage of the tournament. Talks are ongoing between the BCCI and the ECB to resolve this issue,” a source revealed.
The clash between the IPL playoffs and England’s T20I series against Pakistan has created a dilemma for the players and the teams involved. The BCCI has raised the issue with the ECB, emphasizing the importance of honoring commitments made before the auction.
Meanwhile, the upcoming season will see a clash between the IPL and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to the ICC Champions Trophy being hosted by Pakistan in February. This clash in schedules will force overseas players to make a tough decision on which league to participate in, adding an extra layer of complexity to the cricketing calendar.
With negotiations ongoing and tensions rising between the boards and franchises, the cricketing world eagerly awaits a resolution to this complex situation.