Irfan Pathan expressed frustration over English players leaving the IPL prematurely to join England’s squad for the upcoming Pakistan series ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. Key players affected include Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone from Punjab Kings; Will Jacks and Reece Topley from Royal Challengers Bengaluru; Jos Buttler from Rajasthan Royals; Phil Salt with Kolkata Knight Riders, and Moeen Ali from Chennai Super Kings.
Pathan, echoing sentiments of Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, emphasized a strict stance: “Either be available for full season or don’t come!” he wrote on X (previously Twitter). Gavaskar, in his Mid Day column, suggested salary deductions for players who withdraw and penalties for cricket boards that fail to honor commitments.
“I support players choosing their country, but they should not let down IPL franchises who often pay them more than their national teams,” Gavaskar wrote. He also criticized the unique 10% commission that the IPL pays to cricket boards, which is not practiced in other T20 leagues.
England’s T20I series against Pakistan starts on May 22, requiring players to leave the IPL early. The England squad includes: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, and Mark Wood.
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