Top England players like Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes might not be available for England’s Test series vs New Zealand in June this year. In case their Indian Premier League sides make to the Playoffs, they might skip the Test series in favour of playing in the IPL.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) though has informed the IPL franchises that if the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) decide to name any of the prominent IPL players, part of the IPL sides in the Playoffs, but might not be making it to the first XI, should be released as early as possible.
"In the event of ECB Selectors wishing to select a player for the 1st Test v New Zealand whose franchise has made it through to the knockout stages of the Tournament, but who is not featuring in the starting XI, the relevant franchise is requested to release such player early so that they can participate in the Test Match," the IPL email to franchises read, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.com
The other players whose availability is under the cloud are the players of South Africa who would be playing their limited over series against Pakistan from April 2-16.