Jos Buttler on leaving IPL for England: Tournament should not clash with internationals

England captain Jos Buttler reckons IPL should not clash with international matches. Buttler, who played a key role in the success of Rajasthan Royals, had returned back for national duty as England is set to host Pakistan in four T20Is.

Buttler scored 359 runs in 11 matches of IPL 2024 at an average of 39.89 and a blistering strike rate of 140.78. The Englishman also scored a scintillating knock of 60-ball 107 against Kolkata Knight Riders earlier in the season. Furthermore, he scored a fine century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

“I said, ‘Look, as an England captain, my main priority is to be playing for England,’” Buttler said on May 21 ahead of Rajasthan’s IPL Eliminator vs RCB.

“It’s my personal opinion that there shouldn’t be any international cricket that clashes with the IPL,” Buttler further added.

Meanwhile, IPL has a separate window but some matches do clash with the calendar. Buttler added his number one priority is to play for the national team.

“I think that these games have been in the calendar for a long time. Of course, leading into a World Cup, your No.1 priority is playing for England and performing for England. I feel like this is the best preparation.” Buttler concluded.

Along with Buttler, players like Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, and Jonny Bairstow also returned to England. 

The first T20I between England and Pakistan will be played at Leeds, Headingley on May 22. 

England: 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, Mark Wood

Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan