CRICKET POLL

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has decided to permit its players to complete their IPL engagements even though the Caribbean side will be involved in international matches. The CWI decision should be a huge relief for franchises like Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are missing out on a few key players due to their international commitments.

GT and RCB are in with a high chance of making it to the playoffs and will need players like Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd who have played some impactful knocks for their respective sides. Both GT and RCB will miss some of their overseas players post th league stage.

"Regarding the upcoming ODI tours of Ireland and England from May 21 to June 3, Cricket West Indies acknowledges this as an exceptional and unforeseen situation. However, we remain confident in the depth and quality of our talent and are committed to fielding a strong, competitive squad to represent the West Indies with pride," CWI said in a statement.

Rutherford (299 in 11 games at an average of 38 and strike rate of 159) largely came as an Impact Player for the Tiants and played some useful knocks to help the side. The Titans are currently at the top of the table. Shepherd featured in four games but got to bat only in one innings in which he made hug impact for RCB, scoring an unbeaten match-winning 53 at a strike rate of 378.

Apart from Rutherford and Shepherd, Andre Russell (KKR), Sunil Narine (KKR) and Rovman Powell (KKR), Nicholas Pooran (LSG), Shamar Joseph (LSG) and Shimron Hetmyer (RR) are the eight West Indies players who are playing in IPL 2025. Only three of them - Rutherford, Shepherd and Joseph - have been picked in the West Indies team for the two upcoming white ball series.

CWI said Shamar Joseph will not return to India for the remainder of the IPL. John Campbell will replace Sherfane Rutherford for the Ireland leg, and Shimron Hetmyer, currently unavailable for the Ireland leg, will join the squad for the England matches (Hermyer's RR has not chance to progress to the last four stage). Jediah Blades will replace Romario Shepherd.

West Indies plays three ODIs in Ireland on May 21, 23 and 25 and then go to play as many ODIs against England in England on May 29, June 1 and 3. Post the ODI series in England, the West Indies will play three T20Is too but that will start on June 6, by when the IPL final (June 3) would be over.

"The safety and well-being of our players remain our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring that they feel supported and informed throughout this period. At the same time, we are working collaboratively with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the relevant IPL franchises to ensure all necessary measures are taken to guarantee the safety, comfort, and peace of mind of our players," the West Indies board said, adding, "CWI will continue to monitor developments and maintain open lines of communication with all key stakeholders, including the players, their families, and team management."