There Should Not Be Any International Cricket When IPL Is Going On: Jos Buttler

England’s limited-overs captain, Jos Buttler, has ignited a fresh debate over scheduling conflicts between the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international cricket.

Jos Buttler defended the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) decision to recall players from the IPL playoffs for a T20I series against Pakistan, especially as it is organised just days ahead of T20 World Cup 2024.

This decision has impacted several teams in the IPL playoffs. Rajasthan Royals are missing Jos Buttler himself, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders have lost key players like Will Jacks, Reece Topley, and Phil Salt respectively.

Meanwhile, the England keeper-batter also voiced his personal opinion that international cricket should not clash with the IPL. Buttler, speaking to the media on May 21st, a day ahead of the first T20I against Pakistan, said:

Watch Video: Jos Buttler’s Disappointment With International Cricket Clash With IPL

🗣️ "In my personal opinion, there should never be any international cricket that clashes with IPL"

Jos Buttler says it really disappointing that England weren't able to play the first T20 vs Pakistan today after leaving the IPL early to prepare for the World Cup pic.twitter.com/mP6O1iNR7W

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) May 22, 2024

“It’s my personal opinion that there shouldn’t be any international cricket that clashes with the IPL. I think that these games have been in the calendar for a long time,” Buttler was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“Of course, leading into a World Cup, your No. 1 priority is playing for England and performing for England. I feel like this is the best preparation,” he added.

The clash has also drawn criticism from franchises. Sanjay Bangar, head of cricket development at Punjab Kings, claimed the ECB initially confirmed player availability but changed course after the full IPL schedule was delayed. The delay was attributed to the BCCI waiting for confirmation of India’s general election dates.