As the T20 World Cup draws near, the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024 has been hit with a wave of departures as players selected for England’s squad exit their respective franchises. The frustration is palpable among fans and former cricketers alike, with many questioning the commitment of players who choose to prioritize national duties over their IPL teams.
Jos Buttler, the skipper of Rajasthan Royals, is one such player who has left the squad to lead England in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. His departure has left a void in the team’s lineup, forcing them to rethink their strategies as they head into the business end of the tournament.
Buttler is not alone in his decision, as Phil Salt and Will Jacks from Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru respectively have also chosen to leave their IPL teams for national duties. The exodus of key players has raised concerns about the impact on the remaining matches and the overall competitiveness of the league.
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed his frustration on social media, calling out players for their late exits and urging them to either commit to the full season or not participate at all. The sentiment is echoed by fans and experts who believe that players should honor their commitments to their franchises.
As teams scramble to find replacements and adjust their strategies, the focus now shifts to whether the tournament organizers will take steps to prevent such instances in the future. With the T20 World Cup looming large, it is understandable that players would prioritize national duties, but the impact on the IPL cannot be ignored.