England Stars Likely to Miss IPL 2025 Playoffs Due to ODI Series Clash

Fans of Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Mumbai Indians (MI) are in for a disappointment as England’s Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, and Will Jacks might miss the IPL 2025 playoffs. A scheduling conflict with England’s ODI series against the West Indies, which kicks off on May 29, right when the IPL playoffs are set to run from May 29 to June 3.

The IPL, paused last week due to India-Pakistan tensions, is back on track starting May 17, according to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, the playoff dates clash directly with England’s three-match ODI series, led by new captain Harry Brook. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had initially allowed players to stay in the IPL until May 25, but with the playoffs extending beyond that, new permissions are needed. Word is, the ECB will call back Buttler, Bethell, and Jacks by May 27 to prioritize international duty.

This is a tough pill to swallow for GT, where Buttler has been a standout, scoring 500 runs with an average of 71.43. RCB will miss Bethell, who’s been opening alongside Virat Kohli, while MI will lose Jacks, a regular in their lineup. Bethell is confirmed to play RCB’s next two league games but will head back before their last group match in Lucknow. Buttler and Jacks are likely to follow suit, though their exact travel plans are still up in the air.

On a brighter note for RCB, Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt are expected to stick around for the playoffs, as they weren’t picked for England’s ODI squad. West Indies players Romario Shepherd (RCB) and Sherfane Rutherford (GT) also face a clash but are likely to stay with their IPL teams.

The ECB’s decision has sparked chatter about the tug-of-war between club and country. For GT, RCB, and MI, the absence of these English stars could make the playoff fight even tougher.