England Withdraws Top Players From IPL Ahead of Pakistan Series

England withdrew several key players from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to prepare for the upcoming series against Pakistan, as reported by international media on Thursday.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) instructed players to depart from their IPL teams and return home. Notable players affected include Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, and Moeen Ali. Their departure from the IPL is part of their readiness for representing England in the forthcoming series against Pakistan.

Read more: Pakistan Cricket Squad Departs For Ireland, England Series

Former Indian cricket team captain Sunil Gavaskar strongly criticized the players who left the IPL mid-season in response to this decision. He emphasized the necessity of imposing strict penalties on such players, proposing fines and potential contract reconsideration by their IPL franchises.

Gavaskar also raised concerns about the benefits cricket boards derive from the IPL, advocating for transparency and accountability in the process.