England players likely to miss New Zealand Tests for IPL knockouts

England cricketers, including Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, and Jofra Archer among others could end up missing the two Tests against New Zealand in June due to their participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 knockouts. The series against the Black Caps starts on June 2 with the Tests to be played at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, and Edgbaston, Birmingham.

All three of Stokes, Buttler, and Archer are a part of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and are a prominent part of England’s Test setup. Apart from the trio, Sam Curran of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Chris Woakes of Delhi Capitals (DC), and Jonny Bairstow of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) could also miss out on the New Zealand Tests if their teams make the knockouts of the IPL.

IPL drops an email to the franchises

Mark Wood and Moeen Ali are the two other potential absentees provided they are picked by any of the franchises in the IPL auction, scheduled to take place in Chennai on February 18. Moeen was a part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) after which he was released.

On Tuesday, February 16, the IPL dropped an email to the eight franchises, surrounding the availability of players from different countries.  The English players were also listed to be a part of the entire IPL, but with a condition.

“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, reported by ESPNcricinfo.

For the time being, the BCCI is yet to release the dates for the upcoming IPL. However, even as the tournament is expected to be played in India, as per reports, the league is likely to start on April 11 and continue until the first week of June.

The England cricketers, at the present point in time, are busy playing the four-match Test series against India. The series is currently level at 1-1 with two matches remaining in Ahmedabad. England’s Tests against New Zealand aren’t a part of the World Test Championship though.