Michael Atherton Criticizes ECB for Letting Jacob Bethell Stay in IPL Instead of Playing for England

Former England captain Michael Atherton has slammed the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for allowing Jacob Bethell to play in IPL 2025 instead of selecting him for the Test match against Zimbabwe.

Bethell, who plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL, was left out of England’s squad for the one-off Test. He had performed well earlier this year in New Zealand, where he scored three half-centuries while batting at No. 3 in England’s 2-1 series win.

Atherton says ECB should have picked Bethell

Atherton expressed his disappointment during the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast. He questioned the ECB’s decision to give preference to IPL over an international match.

“My own view is that Bethell should have been picked. That’s the point of a central contract—you’ve got control over your players,” Atherton stated.

“If you’re going to put a player on a full central contract – Bethell had been moved from an incremental contract to a full deal after doing so well in New Zealand – then bring your player back.”

“It’s a Test match. It’s an international fixture and international fixtures should have priority over domestic franchise competition. I know the policy is players should see through their IPL deals but I don’t particularly agree with it,” he added.

Atherton says ECB avoided a tough decision

Atherton also pointed out that the ECB might be relieved to avoid the difficult choice between Bethell and returning player Jamie Smith.

“In many ways, it saved the selectors from a very difficult call. Bethell looked to the manner born in New Zealand but then they would have had the tricky decision as Smith obviously comes back,” Atherton stated.

“They could bring Bethell into the squad but I’m not sure they will because they are probably happy not to have the difficult call yet.”

England adds James Rew to the squad

England has included James Rew, a 21-year-old wicketkeeper from Somerset, in the squad. Rew has already scored 10 first-class centuries and became the youngest Englishman to do so since Denis Compton in 1939.

Meanwhile, Bethell’s absence raises questions. Zak Crawley being inconsistent and Ollie Pope under pressure. The IPL suspended for at least a week due to the India-Pakistan conflict. There is a possibility that the ECB could still recall Bethell. But it remains uncertain if they will act.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram