West Indies Allow Players to Complete IPL 2025 Engagements

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has given its players the green light to complete their Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments, despite the Caribbean team's international matches schedule. This decision is a huge relief for franchises like Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are missing key players due to international commitments.

The decision affects players like Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd, who have played impactful knocks for their respective sides. Rutherford has scored 299 runs in 11 games at an average of 38 and strike rate of 159, while Shepherd has scored an unbeaten 53 at a strike rate of 378.

Apart from Rutherford and Shepherd, eight other West Indies players are participating in IPL 2025, including Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rovman Powell, Nicholas Pooran, Shamar Joseph, and Shimron Hetmyer. Only three of them – Rutherford, Shepherd, and Joseph – have been picked in the West Indies team for the upcoming white-ball series.

CWI has announced that Shamar Joseph will not return to India for the remainder of the IPL, while John Campbell will replace Sherfane Rutherford for the Ireland leg, and Shimron Hetmyer will join the squad for the England matches. Romario Shepherd will be replaced by Jediah Blades.

The West Indies will play three ODIs in Ireland on May 21, 23, and 25, followed by as many ODIs against England in England on May 29, June 1, and 3. The team will then play three T20Is, starting on June 6, by when the IPL final would be over.

CWI has emphasized the safety and well-being of its players, committing to ensuring they feel supported and informed throughout this period. The board is working collaboratively with the BCCI and IPL franchises to guarantee the safety, comfort, and peace of mind of its players.