Buttler, Bethell & Jacks to Miss IPL Playoffs Due to England Duty

Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, and Will Jacks will miss the IPL 2025 playoffs as they head back to join the England national team.

The trio had already left India amid rising tensions along the India-Pakistan border. Now, with England’s international schedule confirmed, it’s official — they won’t be returning in time for the IPL playoffs.

Bethell, who plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore, is expected to feature in two more IPL games before flying back for England’s ODI series. Buttler and Jacks, who returned briefly to India, will also head home before the playoffs begin.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had initially promised full availability of its players for the entire IPL season. However, the revised IPL schedule now clashes with England’s preparations for their upcoming series against the West Indies starting May 29, making that commitment impossible to fulfill.

England named a 16-member squad for the West Indies series on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the IPL playoffs start May 29, with the final set for June 2. The group stage wraps up by May 27.

Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals) and Jamie Overton (Chennai Super Kings) were also named in England’s squad, but their IPL teams have already been knocked out.

Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt, who are not in the ODI squad, will remain available for the rest of the IPL. Meanwhile, Romario Shepherd (RCB) and Sherfane Rutherford (Gujarat Titans) are likely to be called up by West Indies, which could impact their IPL teams as well.