In the IPL 2024, some players might have to leave the tournament before it ends because they have to play for their home countries in international matches. These players are important for their IPL teams, but they also have responsibilities to represent their nations. Here’s why they might have to leave:
1. Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler, the Rajasthan Royals opener, showcased a return to form with an outstanding century against RCB at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Following his impressive display against the Challengers, the RR management anticipates him to continue dominating bowlers in upcoming matches. Nevertheless, if the 2008 champion side advances to the next stage of the tournament, Rajasthan captain Sanju Samson will need to find a replacement for Buttler, who will be absent from the Playoffs to lead the England national side against Pakistan.
2. Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow’s performance with the bat in this tournament has been inconsistent. Despite featuring in five matches, he has managed just 81 runs, with his highest score being 42. However, considering his experience and reputation, Punjab Kings remain confident in the veteran and hope for an improved showing in the upcoming round-robin matches. Similar to other English players, Bairstow’s participation in the Playoffs is also unlikely if PBKS qualify.
3. Sam Curran
Sam Curran was awarded the Player of the Series title in the 2022 T20 World Cup after taking 13 wickets in six matches. His impressive performance in the T20I event earned him a lucrative contract with PBKS in the 2023 IPL auction. This season, Curran has shown promise as an all-rounder for PBKS in the tournament. However, if the Shikhar Dhawan-led team advances past the league stage, Curran will be unavailable for the remainder of the campaign due to his national commitments in the four-match T20I series against Babar Azam’s team.
4. Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone, the England all-rounder, plays a vital role for Punjab Kings (PBKS). Despite his underwhelming performance in the competition, PBKS will look to him to rediscover his form and aid the team in qualifying for the Playoffs after a decade. However, if Punjab advances beyond the league stage, Livingstone will be unavailable due to his national commitments, joining other English players in representing his country in the four-match T20I series against Pakistan.
5. Mustafizur Rahman
Bangladesh’s fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has been exceptional with the ball for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the tournament. Presently leading the wicket-taking charts, he holds the Purple Cap with nine dismissals in four matches. However, Rahman will be absent for the majority of the latter part of the 2024 season due to national team commitments. Bangladesh is scheduled to host Zimbabwe for five T20Is from May 3 to May 12, followed by a trip to the United States for three T20Is from May 21 to May 25.
6. Moeen Ali
CSK has utilized England veteran Moeen Ali sparingly, featuring him in just one match in the current tournament. In his sole appearance against SRH at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, he delivered an impressive performance, taking 2 wickets for 23 runs in three overs. The 36-year-old all-rounder is expected to play a crucial role in England’s defense of their title in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. Ahead of this prestigious T20I event, Moeen will also be part of the Jos Buttler-led team in the four-match T20I series against Pakistan.
7. Reece Topley
Reece Topley, the crucial pace bowler for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), spearheads the team’s fast-bowling department. However, his availability for RCB’s final league matches and the Playoffs may be uncertain due to England’s hosting of Pakistan for a four-match T20I series from May 22 to May 30.
8. Joshua Little
Joshua Little, the left-arm pace bowler from Ireland, is a member of the Gujarat Titans (GT) squad but has yet to feature in any matches. However, the 24-year-old is likely to depart from GT’s camp after May 5, as he is set to join his national team for a three-match T20 International (T20I) series against Pakistan, which will be hosted by Ireland from May 10 to May 14.
9. Phil Salt
Phil Salt, the wicketkeeper-batter, is set to depart from the Kolkata Knight Riders’ camp in mid-May to join the English side for their series against Pakistan, led by Babar Azam. Salt, who has featured in four matches for Kolkata in the tournament, has accumulated 102 runs, including a fifty scored against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
10. Sikandar Raza
Sikandar Raza, aged 37, has appeared in two matches for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the current tournament. However, he will not be accessible to PBKS in May due to his commitment to the Zimbabwe national team. Zimbabwe is scheduled to tour Bangladesh for a five-match T20I series during that period, and Raza’s presence will be crucial for his national side, especially with the upcoming World Cup in consideration.
Despite their significance to their IPL squads, these players prioritize their international obligations, raising the likelihood of their premature departure from the tournament. Their absence may impact their respective teams’ strategies and performance in crucial matches. Balancing IPL commitments with national duties remains a challenge, particularly as the season progresses and international fixtures overlap.
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