Big setback for franchises as ECB takes a big call on participation of England players in Indian T20 League

If a massive development, England bound Indian T20 League (ITL) players might not be available for the latter stages of the Indian T20 extravaganza. As per a report in Cricbuzz, England Cricket Board (ECB) is likely to call back their Test players midway from the Indian T20 League to prepare for the Test series against New Zealand, set to get underway on June 2nd.

Although the dates for the start of the Indian T20 League have not been announced yet, it is speculated that the tournament will begin on the 27th of March. If the players are allowed to stay for the entire ITL, they might not be available for the first Test at Lord's. England cricket have been under the scanner for the poor performance in the Test series. After the recent drubbing against Australia in Ashes, the board and players were criticised for preferring T20 cricket over Test.

No formal communication has taken place between the players and the ECB as of now. Cricbuzz, however, has reported that the franchises have been informed to lose players from England during the latter stages. Sources close to the current English Test players also suggest that they will be withdrawn from the tournament. Cricbuzz has asked the ECB for a comment on the same.

The ECB allowed their players for the complete ITL last year, which in turn led to some of them not being able to participate in the Test matches against New Zealand. Players were unable to undergo quarantine before the start of the two-match series against the Blackcaps. As a result, they lost 1-0 against the soon-to-be Test Champions.

The ECB will not allow that to be the case once again after a 4-0 loss in the Ashes. The very important Test championship points are at stake, and they would not want to lose any more of them.

Players from the English Test side that have registered in the ITL mega auctions are; Jonny Bairstow, Mark Wood, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Craig Overton, Sam Billings, and Dan Lawrence. Jos Buttler was already retained by Rajasthan.