Islamabad, 26 March 2025: The number of England players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has dropped in 2025, with just ten featuring in the tournament this year.
This sharp drop from 18 players in IPL 2024 raises questions about dwindling appeal or shifting priorities of the England.
The reduction is partly due to withdrawals, with Harry Brook and Brydon Carse opting out, the latter due to injury.
Reports suggest that Ben Duckett was approached by Delhi Capitals as a potential replacement for Brook but chose not to take part.
This trend raises doubts about the interest of IPL teams in English players or the ECB prioritizing international duty.
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Former England cricketer Nick Knight pointed out that Rob Key, the managing director of England men’s cricket, has been urging players to prioritise national duty.
With a five-match Test series against India and an Ashes series ahead, England’s multi-format players, such as Brook and Mark Wood, are being carefully managed.
Knight suggested that as other franchise leagues emerge, some cricketers may also find better financial opportunities elsewhere if IPL teams are unwilling to meet their asking price.
The ongoing IPL edition features only ten England players, including Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, and Jos Buttler, marking a reduced presence.
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Cricket analyst Matt Roller suggested that England’s declining performances in ICC white-ball events could be another factor behind this trend.
The team was highly sought-after when they held both the 50-over and T20 World Cup titles in 2022, but recent struggles may have impacted the value of their players.
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu noted that playing in the IPL had previously helped England’s batters improve against spin, particularly on slower pitches in India.
