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CWI Confirms RCB, GT Stars' Presence In IPL; Replacements Announced For England Tour

Soumyajit Dutta

Romario Shepherd and Sherfane Rutherford [Source: @Jay_Cricket12/X]Romario Shepherd and Sherfane Rutherford [Source: @Jay_Cricket12/X]

West Indies will be without key players Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd for their upcoming white-ball tour of Ireland and England, as the duo prioritize their Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments. 

With the lucrative T20 league’s extended schedule, resuming this weekend and concluding with playoffs from May 29, overlapping with the Caribbean side’s international fixtures, the star firepowers will be missed by the Carribbeans.

CWI Confirms Shepherd, Rutherford's Absence

Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed the absences but emphasized support for the players’ choices, stating, “We acknowledge their individual contractual obligations and fully respect their decision to remain in India,” as quoted by BBC. 

The board’s stance contrasts with England’s approach, despite also having IPL-contracted stars in their ODI squad, the wealthier England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) anticipates their return for national duty.

Squad Adjustments and Returning Stars For WI

Romario Shepherd, a dynamic all-rounder with 90 combined international white-ball appearances, will be replaced by uncapped left-arm seamer Jediah Blades. Sherfane Rutherford, a middle-order mainstay for table-toppers Gujarat Titans, will miss the entire tour. 

Top-order batter John Campbell will replace Rutherford for the Ireland tour, while Shimron Hetmyer, initially excluded due to inconsistent performances, returns for the England leg in place of Rutherford.

Hetmyer’s Rajasthan Royals exit the IPL early, freeing him for selection. Meanwhile, fast bowler Shamar Joseph, yet to feature for Lucknow Super Giants, remains with the West Indies squad.

The West Indies face Ireland in three ODIs from May 21 before clashing with England in a three-match ODI series starting May 29. A T20 series against England follows on June 6, though the squad for those games remains unannounced.