5 Players Who Skipped International Duties To Play In IPL

5 Players Who Skipped International Duties To Play In IPL; Gone are those days when the sportspersons used to give priority to play for their country. Now, things have changed dramatically. The money took over the pride of the player representing their nations. The emergence of Indian Premier League did a world of good for the game of cricket, but at the same time, it also made cricketers go after the money rather than playing for the nation.

Usually, the cricket boards make sure not to run any bilateral series during Indian Premier League. However, to prepare for the ICC events or a big series, the board ask players to make an early exit from the tournament to represent the country in a bilateral series. Though there are players, who accepted the order, there are few players, who denied the request to feature for their respective franchises in Indian Premier League. We have figured out five such players who refused international game for IPL.

5 Players Who Skipped International Duties To Play In IPL:

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5. Mohammad Nabi:

Let me start this with an interesting stat. Out of 127 ODI games, which was played by Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi played 124 games of it. You would be wrong if you feel Mohammad Nabi missed those three games because of his poor form or for his injuries. He missed them because of the Indian Premier League. Yes, he continued to play IPL by skipping the International game for Afghanistan.

Alongside Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan also missed the series for Afghanistan. Ironically, the first ODI of the series was washed out. However, Afghanistan missed his presence in the remaining games.

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Mohammad Nabi has been the torchbearer of Afghanistan ever since the emergence of the game in the country. None would have expected this from the legendary player of Afghanistan. However, the pressure was there on Nabi to stay, as SRH was suffering from the loss of David Warner, who was serving ban during IPL 2018.

4. Shakib Al Hasan:

Surprisingly, the modern great of Bangladesh also finds a place in the chart. Shakib Al Hasan is one of the few Bangladesh players to represent an IPL franchise. The all-rounder had always been a crucial player for whichever side he played in the tournament for his ability to contribute in all the departments. Much like Mohammad Nabi, Shakib Al Hasan also stayed with Sunrisers Hyderabad by skipping International duties for Bangladesh.

With ICC World Cup 2019 in the lineup, Bangladesh Cricket board arranged a tri-series that involved West Indies and Ireland to get enough match practice. But, the all-rounder decided to stay with his franchise. Citing reasons, the veteran all-rounder stated the standard of cricket in IPL is very high, which will help him prepare for the mega event.

Though Shakib Al Hasan received flak from the fans for his decision to skip an international game, he was showered with huge praises by the same fans when he proved his mettle during the ICC World Cup 2019.

3. Chris Gayle:

On numerous occasions, the Universe Boss made people feel like he is a boss of West Indies cricket board. Chris Gayle plays for West Indies only if he feels to play, of course, without any arguments from the selectors. Much to the same, he preferred to play for Kings XI Punjab when West Indies Cricket Board arranged a tri-series ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019.

When his teammates were preparing for the ICC World Cup 2019 in Dublin facing Bangladesh and Ireland, Chris Gayle decided to play for Kings XI Punjab in Indian Premier League. Later, he joined the West Indies team in the global tournament, where he was also named as the vice-captain of the team.

2. Ben Stokes:

The all-rounder from England made his IPL debut when Rising Pune Supergiant bought him for whopping INR 14.5 Crores in the auction. He entered into the tournament as the best all-rounder in the modern era. He proved his mettle for the team with his exceptional knocks in the middle for Steve Smith-led side.

During the course, the England Cricket Board arranged a bilateral series facing Ireland to prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. He took special permission from the board to participate in the tournament alongside Chris Woakes. However, he returned to England without featuring in playoffs. In his absence, RPS found a place in the final but lost by one run to Mumbai Indians.

1. Andre Russell:

The all-rounder is a massive property in the shortest format of the game. He can quickly turn the tables for his side with his exceptional batting and bowling skills. For the same, he became the busiest cricketer in the world as far as the T20 format is concerned. In the meantime, he started taking things for granted, especially, representing the national team became a choice for him rather than the primary aspect.

Like Chris Gayle, Andre Russell also denied the request of West Indies to play in the tri-series that involved Bangladesh and Ireland in Dublin ahead of ICC World Cup 2019. Playing for KKR, Russell showed his mettle for the team with his blistering knocks. He ended the tournament as the most valuable player for KKR but failed to perform in England during the mega event for West Indies and was ruled out midway owing to an injury.