Jos Buttler: Skipping IPL Not Discussed With Me; Can’t Ignore Financial Advantages

Jos Buttler, the England cricketer, said financial advantages that come with an IPL contract cannot be ignored as he confirmed there haven’t been discussions between him and ECB on skipping the league to play the home Tests against New Zealand

Buttler has been facing scrutiny for his decision to go home following the first Test against India. He is, however, back in the country now and will be here for the next three months to take part in the white-ball leg of the India series as well as Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) campaign in IPL 2021.

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Ahead of the T20I series starting Friday (March 12), Jos Buttler faced questions from the media on whether he’ll be skipping the New Zealand Test series, due to begin just two days after IPL 2021 final, or take part in the playoffs in late May if the Royals do reach that far?

Jos Buttler plays for Rajasthan Royals in IPL

“No nothing of that sort (was discussed with me) and I don’t know about other players. I think an agreement about participation in IPL was in place well before the New Zealand Test series was announced,” Buttler said in response during the presser.

Earlier, all-rounder Sam Curran too had hinted that some England players would skip New Zealand Tests if their IPL teams go the distance. Buttler nodded in agreement with his teammate.

“It could potentially (mean),” he said on missing the first series of the home international summer for IPL commitment.

“…..but NZ tests have been added later on and there will always be a few who would be missing out on England games. You don’t know how far the players are going to go far in the tournament and miss games (for England).”

“We know the benefits of IPL”: Jos Buttler

Buttler said money plays a huge factor in players’ decision making when it’s about a choice between playing for their club and the country.

“We all know the benefits of IPL. It’s a huge tournament and monetary rewards are obvious and also the experience you gain and it has its pluses too. And it’s obvious in the upturn of white ball game in England, and number of players participating in it and how beneficial it is to all of us,” he said.

“Of course the schedule is tough and there is no perfect balance to it and ECB and players are working closely trying to manage that.”

“Is there a perfect answer? No in the times that we are operating at the moment,” Buttler added.

As many as 12 England players, Buttler included, are due to take part in the IPL 2021. These players include those with million-dollar contracts.

“IPL is advantageous to a lot of people with the money that’s involved,” Buttler said. “It’s the biggest tournament in cricket in terms of money and careers can be short but we know that playing for England can be a huge draw and we are very well remunerated playing for England.”

“It also a big feather in the cap for England side that 12 players were in demand in world’s biggest tournament,” he further said on the issue which has divided “opinions one way or the other” within English cricket.

Buttler said IPL experience will help England when they come back to India in October for the T20 World Cup.

“Obvious benefits of the player improvement, skills that you get to learn, especially this year playing IPL in India, where world T20 will be played,” he concluded.