The second phase of the Indian Premier League will begin on September 19 in the United Arab Emirates. In a major blow to the Rajasthan Royals, Jos Buttler is unlikely to participate in the tournament.
As per reports, Jos Buttler might miss the UAE leg for the tournament as he and his wife Louise Webber are expecting a child during September. Buttler had reportedly told Sky Sports regarding this.
Jos Buttler is unlikely to be available for the IPL 2021 as he & his wife are expecting a baby during September.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 4, 2021
The English batsman is one of the key batters in the Rajasthan Royals squad. He is their second-highest run-getter in IPL 2021 so far. Butler has scored 254 runs in seven matches at an average of 36.28. The news comes as a serious blow for the Rajasthan Royals franchise, as their all-rounder Ben Stokes is also doubtful to participate in the tournament.
Stokes withdrew from the test series against India. He has decided to take an indefinite break from cricket to focus on his mental wellbeing and recovery from a finger injury. If both the Englishmen decide to miss the tournament, the Rajasthan-based franchise, which is fifth in the points table will find it difficult to make it to the top four.
England Players Available For IPL 2021 Second Half
Earlier there was uncertainty over the availability of players from England in the UAE leg of the tournament. But a BCCI official confirmed to ANI that the England players will feature in the UAE leg of the tournament. Earlier, England and Wales Cricket Board postponed their tour of Bangladesh, which opened the doors for the English players to participate in IPL 2021.
“The English players will be available for the resumption of the IPL in the UAE. The BCCI has the green signal. This shows the brilliant working relationship that the secretary has with not just the ECB, but also the BCB,” the source said to ANI.
