IPL 2021: English Players Could Miss New Zealand Series In June Due To IPL Knockouts

England could be missing the services of some multi-format players for the New Zealand series in June as the dates are likely to clash with the knockout stages of IPL 2021. Among the big names that could miss out are the likes of Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, and Jos Buttler who have been the crucial players for the Rajasthan Royals in the last three years of IPL and are likely to feature in all the matches for the franchise.

The other names that could miss out are Chris Woakes (Delhi Capitals), Sam Curran (Chennai Super Kings), and Jonny Bairstow(Sunrisers Hyderabad) according to ESPN Cricinfo reports. The IPL 2021 auction is set to take place tomorrow in Chennai where the likes of Moeen Ali, Mark Wood will be up for grabs. They could also miss the tour if they find any buyers in the auction.

IPL Managements’ Message To The Franchises

On Tuesday, the IPL management sent out an email to the franchises regarding the availability of players from different parts of the world. The Email stated that if an English player who is wanted by the ECB for the New Zeland series is sitting on the sidelines despite his team moving on to the playoffs, then the franchise is requested to release the player for him to take part in the test series. This is most likely not possible with the Royals who will need the England players for certain.

“In the event of ECB Selectors wishing to select a player for the 1st Test v New Zealand whose franchise has made it through to the knockout stages of the Tournament, but who is not featuring in the starting XI, the relevant franchise is requested to release such player early so that they can participate in the Test Match,” the IPL email read.

No Confirmation On South African Players Availability

South Africa will be hosting Pakistan in April for a white ball series which could see some of the South African players not available for some IPL 2021 games. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje have formed a great partnership with the ball for the Delhi Capitals while Quinton De Kock(Mumbai Indians) and Faf Du Plessis(Chennai Super Kings) play a major role in the team. There is no confirmation yet on the availability of South African players.