New Delhi, May 16 (HS): Cricket West Indies (CWI) has decided that even though the West Indies team will play an ODI series against Ireland and England in May, players will still be allowed to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025). This decision is particularly good news for franchises like Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), whose key players could have been unavailable due to international commitments.
Sherfane Rutherford has scored 299 runs in 11 matches for Gujarat Titans this season, with an average of 38 and a strike rate of 159. He often played as an impact player and has consistently rescued the team from difficult situations. On the other hand, Romario Shepherd scored 53 runs in a single innings for RCB at a strike rate of 378 – which proved to be a winning innings.
Currently, eight West Indies players are playing in the IPL – Rutherford, Shepherd, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rovman Powell (all three for KKR), Nicholas Pooran, Shamarh Brooks (both for LSG), and Shimron Hetmyer (Rajasthan Royals). Among these, only three – Rutherford, Shepherd, and Brooks – have been selected for West Indies’ ODI series.
However, CWI has clarified that Shamarh Brooks will not return to the IPL. Instead, John Campbell and Jedaiah Blades have been included in the team to replace Rutherford and Shepherd. Hetmyer will not be going on the Ireland tour but will join the team for the England tour. Since the Rajasthan team is out of contention for the playoffs, there will be no controversy regarding Hetmyer’s return.
CWI stated in an official statement, “This situation is extraordinary, but we have good depth in talent. We will field a competitive team against Ireland and England.”
The board also mentioned that the safety and convenience of players are being prioritized by staying in contact with the BCCI and all IPL franchises.
The West Indies team will play three ODIs in Ireland on May 21, 23, and 25, followed by three ODIs in England on May 29, June 1, and June 3. After that, a series of three T20 matches will begin in England from June 6.
The IPL final is on June 3, so there will be no overlap for West Indies players.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
