West Indies Allow Rutherford, Shepherd to Complete IPL, Miss England Tour

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has allowed Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd to remain in India to complete the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, despite their selection for West Indies' upcoming one-day and T20 tours of England and Ireland. The IPL playoffs now clash with the international schedule, forcing the players to choose between franchise and national commitments. CWI supports the players' decisions to honor their IPL contracts and has made strategic squad adjustments, including pulling out pacer Shamar Joseph, who has not played in the IPL this season. Rutherford and Shepherd have been key contributors to their IPL teams, Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, both of which are vying for playoff spots. This decision aligns with a broader understanding of players' contractual obligations amid shifting IPL dates affecting several cricketing nations. CWI remains confident in its talent depth and is committed to fielding a competitive squad despite these absences.