IPL 2025- West Indies Cricket's striking verdict on players' availability sends RCB, Gujarat Titans jumping

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has made a sensational call regarding the national players’ availability for the remainder of the IPL 2025. Despite crucial ODI series against Ireland and England from May 21 to June 3, CWI has given its players the green light to finish their IPL 2025 commitments.

This decision comes as a massive boost for franchises like Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as both are in serious contention for the playoffs but were sweating over the availability of key overseas players in the business end of the league.

CWI allows West Indies stars to complete IPL 2025 commitments despite upcoming ODI tours

Given that, CWI’s decision comes as much-needed support for them. Gujarat Titans, who currently sit comfortably at the top of the table, will be thrilled to retain Sherfane Rutherford. The hard-hitting left-hander has quietly become a game-changer, racking up 299 runs in 11 matches with a sizzling strike rate of 159 despite being used as an Impact Player.

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On the other hand, RCB will be breathing a sigh of relief over Romario Shepherd. Shepherd made his presence felt in a single inning where he blazed a match-winning 53* at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 378, reminding everyone of his destructive potential down the order.

While the West Indies will still have to field teams for their ODI assignments, CWI has placed its faith in the bench strength of its domestic talent pool while allowing the key players to complete their IPL duties as the season is set to resume on May 17 after a short break due to the India-Pakistan war.

CWI happy to support BCCI in unforeseen situation

CWI said in a statement, “Regarding the upcoming ODI tours of Ireland and England from May 21 to June 3, Cricket West Indies acknowledges this as an exceptional and unforeseen situation. However, we remain confident in the depth and quality of our talent and are committed to fielding a strong, competitive squad to represent the West Indies with pride.”

Meanwhile, eight West Indies players are part of the IPL 2025 season, including big names like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Rovman Powell (all with KKR); Nicholas Pooran and Shamar Joseph (LSG); Shimron Hetmyer (RR); and Sherfane Rutherford (GT) and Romario Shepherd (RCB).

However, only Rutherford, Shepherd, and Joseph have been selected for the upcoming ODI series against Ireland and England. CWI has confirmed that Shamar Joseph will not return to the IPL 2025 and will stay with the West Indies squad.

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Shimron Hetmyer will travel to England after IPL 2025

On the other hand, John Campbell will step in for Rutherford during the Ireland leg, as the Gujarat Titans aim for playoffs. Shimron Hetmyer, whose team RR is out of contention for the playoffs, will join the West Indies squad for the England series. Shepherd will be replaced by Jediah Blades in the squad.

Notably, the West Indies will play three ODIs in Ireland on May 21, 23, and 25. After that, they’ll travel to England for another three-match ODI series with the matches scheduled on May 29, June 1, and June 3. After ODIs, they’ll take on England in a three-match T20I series starting on June 6.