The return of England cricket team players in the middle of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season severely impacted several teams. Rajasthan Royals (RR) are among the hardest hit, as they prepare to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2024 Qualifier 2 on Friday (May 24). The winner of this match will take on KKR in IPL 2024 Final on Sunday (May 26).
Jos Buttler, one of the most crucial players in the Rajasthan Royals squad, is set to miss IPL 2024 Qualifier 2 due to his national duties. He will be captaining England in the T20I series against Pakistan.
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Meanwhile, England's T20I captain Jos Buttler has supported the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) decision to recall its players for the four-match T20I series against Pakistan. However, the star RR opener also emphasized that international cricket should not clash with the IPL.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Buttler declared, "It’s a unique buildup, that’s why we felt it was good to get the players together in this series. In my personal opinion, there should never be any international cricket that clashes with IPL."
England's managing director, Rob Key, revealed that Jos Buttler was the driving force behind the decision for England players to depart early from the IPL. Buttler prioritized the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, emphasizing the importance of returning for pre-tournament preparations.
The first T20I of the England vs. Pakistan series was abandoned due to rain. Both teams are scheduled to play three more T20Is as part of their preparations for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 tournament.