Jos Buttler and Phil Salt’s IPL 2025 Participation in Doubt as ECB Prioritizes National Duty
In a significant development for both English cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has sparked uncertainty over the participation of key players like Jos Buttler and Phil Salt in the IPL 2025 season. With a packed international calendar clashing directly with the IPL window, the ECB’s firm stance on prioritizing national duty has left franchises and fans on edge.
Under the new leadership of Harry Brook, who recently took over as captain across all formats following England’s underwhelming performances in ICC tournaments, the national team is gearing up for a crucial home season. The schedule kicks off with a historic one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on May 22, 2025, marking the first bilateral Test between the two nations since 2003. This will be followed by an intense white-ball series against the West Indies, comprising three ODIs starting May 29 at Edgbaston and three T20Is in early June.
The IPL 2025 season, set to commence on May 17, overlaps directly with England’s international commitments, creating a dilemma for players slated to feature in both. Jos Buttler, the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman for Gujarat Titans, is a key figure in both England’s ODI and T20I squads. Similarly, Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals), Will Jacks (Mumbai Indians), and young sensation Jacob Bethell (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) are also part of both white-ball squads. Meanwhile, T20 specialist Phil Salt, also with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is named only in the T20I series starting June 6, with his IPL availability hinging on whether his franchise reaches the final on June 3.
The ECB’s policy of prioritizing international cricket over franchise leagues is not new, but with the IPL’s growing financial allure—Buttler reportedly earns over ₹10 crore per season with Gujarat Titans—the decision has reignited debates over player autonomy and national obligations. Sources close to the board indicate that players may receive limited NOCs (No Objection Certificates) or be recalled mid-tournament if their presence is deemed critical for England’s preparations.
Amidst this scheduling clash, England’s squad announcements have brought fresh faces and returning talents into the spotlight. Liam Dawson, the Hampshire all-rounder, makes a comeback to the T20I setup after nearly three years, last playing in September 2022. With 11 T20I caps and a knack for tight bowling, Dawson adds depth to the squad. Nottinghamshire pacer Luke Wood also returns to the T20I team after last featuring in September 2023, while Lancashire spinner Tom Hartley rejoins the ODI squad following his debut against Ireland in 2023. Will Jacks, the Surrey all-rounder, secures a spot in both formats, underscoring his growing importance to the national side.
For reference, the full squads are as follows: The ODI lineup includes Harry Brook (c), 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, and Jamie Smith. The T20I squad comprises Harry Brook (c), 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, and Luke Wood.
As the cricketing world watches this tug-of-war between club and country unfold, the implications are massive. For IPL franchises, losing marquee players like Buttler—a proven match-winner with over 3,000 IPL runs at a strike rate of 149.71—could disrupt team strategies. For England, ensuring key players are match-fit and focused for international assignments is paramount, especially with Brook looking to stamp his authority as captain in his debut series.
What do you think? Should players be allowed to prioritize lucrative IPL contracts, or does national duty always come first? As the IPL auction approaches and the international calendar tightens, the ECB’s final call will be one to watch. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.