England's Jos Buttler could face club-vs-country row after IPL decision

Jos Buttler may find himself in a predicament between club and country commitments because the conclusion of the rescheduled Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to coincide with England's one-day series against the West Indies. The world's wealthiest T20 tournament was put on hold last week, along with the Pakistan Super League, due to escalating military tensions between the two countries.

However, following what appears to be a stable ceasefire, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) swiftly announced a resumption of the IPL on Monday. The remaining 17 matches of the season will now take place across six approved venues from May 17 to June 3, leaving franchises scrambling to regroup their squads at short notice.

England's first white-ball task of the season involves a three-match one-day international series against the West Indies on May 29, June 1 and June 3. This scheduling could potentially create a conflict for former captain Buttler, whose Gujarat Titans team currently leads the IPL and are favourites to progress to the knockout stage.

Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell and Liam Livingstone, who all play for the second-placed Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and others such as Jofra Archer, Will Jacks, Reece Topley, Jamie Overton and Sam Curran, who could be part of England's plans, are also involved in the IPL.

Jos Buttler relinquished his captaincy earlier in the year, with Harry Brook taking on the role, yet he remains an essential member of the squad. Despite any personal reservations about returning to India, the ultimate decision on the involvement of players holding central contracts resides with the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The director of men's cricket, Rob Key, had initially sanctioned prolonged participation in the IPL, which allowed Bethell to avoid the test against Zimbabwe scheduled later this month. However, Key is now tasked with re-evaluating the situation due to new developments.

Furthermore, there's a likely dilemma facing some West Indies cricketers, among whom are Buttler's Titans colleague Sherfane Rutherford and compatriots Rovman Powell, Shamar Joseph, and Romario Shepherd.

Given that national contracts in the West Indies are significantly less rewarding than those from the ECB, it would hardly be shocking if these players choose their franchise commitments over international duties when it comes down to crucial decisions.

IPL fixtures are mapped out for cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad, yet Dharamsala is conspicuously missing after the sweeping security concerns that led to the abandonment of the last match before the break.

Devajit Saikia, secretary of the BCCI, declared: "The BCCI is pleased to announce the resumption of the TATA IPL 2025."

He further confirmed: "After extensive consultations with government and security agencies, and with all the key stakeholders, the board has decided to proceed with the remainder of the season.

"The BCCI takes this opportunity to once again salute the bravery and resilience of India's armed forces, whose efforts have enabled the safe return of cricket.

"The Board reaffirms its commitment to national interest while ensuring the successful completion of the league."

The Pakistan Super League is reportedly set to follow the IPL's lead and announce a plan to complete its remaining eight matches in the country.

Although there is no official word from the Pakistan Cricket Board, media in the country have reported that the competition is set to resume following a meeting of officials on Monday.

Overseas players, many of whom have left the country, will not be obliged to return, and there is a possibility that all remaining fixtures will take place at one specific venue for security reasons, according to the reports.