Michael Atherton blows up the ECB to get Jacob Bethel to choose IPL over England duties
Former England captain Michael Atherton I’m strongly criticizing Cricket Committees of England and Wales (ECB) To allow promising young batter Jacob Bethel to prioritize him Indian Premier League (IPL) Commitment with Royal Challenger Bengaluru (RCB) He will represent England in his upcoming one-off Test match against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge from May 22nd to 25th.
Michael Atherton slams ECB for Jacob Bethel’s Zimbabwe test omission
Speaking about the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Atherton expressed disapproval of the ECB’s policy that allows players on the central contract to fulfill their IPL obligations, even if international equipment is scheduled. He emphasized that the essence of a central contract is to ensure that national team priorities are prioritized.
“That’s the point of a central contract. You have control over the players. If Bethel puts players on a full central contract he won after a great series in New Zealand and gets the players back, it’s an international fixture and should take priority over the IPL.” Atherton said.
Bethel praised his performance in England’s 2-1 Test series victory new zealand Early this year. The 21-year-old left-hander batted on No. 3, bumped into three half-centuries and showed significant calm in challenging situations. However, the ECB chooses not to call him back from IPL 2025 and chooses to keep him instead Zack Crawley and Ollie Popeboth teams for Zimbabwe Fixtures, under considerable pressure due to inconsistent shapes. The decision comes despite Bethel’s promotion from an incremental contract to a full contract following his stellar performance overseas.
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Atherton believes Bethel’s participation in the IPL is sparing selectors from difficult choices
Many people were hoping Bethel would challenge the return Jamie Smith Regarding the team location, Atherton suggested that Bethel’s participation in the IPL escaped the selectors a difficult choice. Smith, who missed a tour of New Zealand due to his father’s vacation and subsequent injuries, is now back and available for choice. Adding Bethel to the team probably meant dropping Crawley or delaying Smith’s reintegration.
“In many ways, it saved the selector from a very difficult call. Bethel turned to the way he was born in New Zealand, but Smith is back. The former England captain added.
Atherton urged the ECB to rethink their attitude and act decisively if the situation allows. “This is a Test match where a young cricketer is an opportunity to prove himself even more on the international stage. These are career-defining moments.” He concluded.
In an unexpected twist, the ongoing IPL has been suspended for at least a week due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, which also led to its indefinite delay. Pakistan Super League. This pause could provide the ECB with a timely opportunity to remember Bethel for the Zimbabwe test. However, for now, no official indication has been given to the ECB to take advantage of this opening.
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