ECB Blocks England Players From IPL 2025 Playoffs Amid ODI Clash With West Indies

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to block its players from participating in the knockout stages of IPL 2025 due to a schedule clash with England's upcoming ODI series against the West Indies starting May 29. Five players—Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Jofra Archer, and Jamie Overton—are involved with both the IPL and the England ODI squad, but only three are expected to return to India for the resumed IPL matches before leaving for international duty. The IPL resumed after a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, with playoffs clashing directly with England's ODI fixtures, leading the ECB to require players to report for national duty in time for the first ODI at Edgbaston. While Jofra Archer’s IPL season ends on May 20 and Jamie Overton reportedly will not return to India, Jos Buttler and others intend to travel back to India shortly to participate in group stage matches but must leave before the playoffs. Cricket Australia has expressed support for their players' decisions regarding returning to India. The ECB’s move prioritizes national team commitments over the lucrative IPL tournament amid ongoing negotiations involving IPL franchise owners and the ECB's domestic tournament, The Hundred.