Xtra Time Web Desk: The Board of Control for Cricket in India received a big blow as England’s centrally contracted cricketers are unlikely to available for IPL 2021 as and when it is rescheduled
ECB Director of Cricket (ECB), Ashley Giles has made it clear that England’s centrally contracted cricketers will need to give preference to national duties.
“We’re planning on the involvement of England players in England matches,” Giles said.
He added, “We’ve got a full FTP schedule. So if those tours to Pakistan and Bangladesh in September and October are going ahead, I’d expect the players to be there.”
“None of us knows what a rearranged IPL looks like at the moment; where it’s going to be or when. But from when we start this summer against New Zealand, our programme is incredibly busy. We’ve got a lot of important, high-profile cricket including the T20 World Cup and the Ashes. And we’re going to have to look after our players.”
The latest development puts a big question mark on the participation of England cricketers in the remaining matches of suspended IPL 2021.
Eoin Morgan, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali, Dawid Malan, Chris Woakes participation in remaining IPL 2021 are in serious doubts
As per the full FTP schedule England are supposed to travel to Pakistan and Bangladesh in September and October. If those tours go ahead then none of the centrally contracted England cricketers will be available for rescheduled games of the suspended IPL 2021
Overall 14 England players were involved in IPL 2021 this year and after Giles decision it is unlikely they will feature in rescheduled IPL 2021 matches.