England’s white-ball stalwart Jos Buttler has confirmed he will skip the Indian Premier League (IPL) play-offs should his franchise, Gujarat Titans, qualify, in order to fulfil his international commitments with England’s national team.
Buttler, a former England captain and one of five England players currently participating in the IPL, will return home in time for the start of the upcoming ODI and T20 series against the West Indies.
The decision comes as the IPL’s revised schedule now clashes directly with England’s white-ball fixtures, following a shift caused by ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan.
The IPL resumes this Saturday, with the play-offs scheduled to begin on 29 May and the final taking place on 3 June. England, meanwhile, will face the West Indies in the first of three one-day internationals on the same day, 29 May.
A crucial figure for Gujarat Titans in the IPL campaign, Buttler will travel to India for the final stages of the group matches. However, he has made it clear he will return to England in time to play a full part in the limited-overs series, prioritising national duty over the lucrative franchise competition.
“I’ve always taken great pride in playing for England, and the West Indies series is an important part of our preparation going forward,” Buttler said in a statement. “While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in the IPL, representing my country will always come first.”
Buttler’s decision underlines England’s commitment to building momentum in white-ball cricket, with the T20 World Cup on the horizon. The upcoming series against West Indies is seen as a key opportunity for England to test combinations and strategies ahead of the global tournament.
The other four England players currently involved in the IPL and named in the squad for the West Indies series — including all-rounders Sam Curran and Moeen Ali — are also expected to return in time for international duty, although their exact availability could depend on individual franchise arrangements.
The clash of scheduling has raised concerns about the increasing overlap between international cricket and major T20 leagues, particularly when rescheduling is driven by external geopolitical factors.
This year, India’s general elections and heightened tensions with Pakistan have forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to adjust the IPL calendar.
For Gujarat Titans, the loss of Buttler during the crucial knockout stage could prove a significant blow. The franchise will hope to make the most of his availability during the remainder of the group phase as they push for a play-off berth.
Buttler’s early departure may also reignite discussions within cricket’s governing bodies about how best to manage the growing tensions between domestic T20 leagues and international fixtures.
As England prepare to host the West Indies, Buttler’s return offers a timely boost to a squad eager to bounce back after a mixed showing in recent bilateral series. His experience and form will be vital as England look to fine-tune their lineup ahead of the next ICC tournament.
