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"I Don’t Agree": Atherton Blasts ECB For Letting RCB's Jacob Bethell Stay In IPL 2025

Jatin

Jacob Bethell has been impressive for England [Source: @RcbianOfficial/x.com]Jacob Bethell has been impressive for England [Source: @RcbianOfficial/x.com]

Michael Atherton is not mincing words and this time, it is England’s selection panel in the firing line. The former skipper has called out the decision to leave Jacob Bethell out of the squad for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge and he is not the only one raising eyebrows.

Michael Atherton Not Impressed With England’s Bethell Snub For Zimbabwe Test Due To IPL 2025

The Warwickshire left-hander turned heads in New Zealand earlier this year, but despite a string of classy fifties at No. 3, Jacob Bethell’s name is missing from the squad sheet because he is still finishing up his stint with RCB in the IPL. And Atherton’s having none of it.

Atherton, never shy of an honest opinion, shared his frustration on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast:

“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.”

Bethell was bumped up from an incremental to a full England central contract after lighting up New Zealand. And yet, when the call came to face Zimbabwe, the ECB let him stay in India.

“It’s a Test match. An international fixture should always take priority over domestic franchise cricket,” Atherton added. “I know the policy is players should see through their IPL deals but I don't particularly agree with it.”

With IPL suspended for at least a week due to border tensions, the ECB might have a window to pull Bethell back but whether they will act is another story.


Missed Chance And A Lucky Dodge?

Atherton reckoned the selectors may have dodged a tough decision here. With Jamie Smith back from paternity leave and Jordan Cox out injured again, Bethell would have posed a real selection dilemma.

“He looked to the manner born in New Zealand,” Atherton said. “But then they would have had the tricky decision as Smith obviously comes back.”

Instead, Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley, both short on runs, are set to keep their spots. Atherton’s not convinced that is the right move either but at least it’s spared England from a messy debate.

Rew Sneaks Into The Squad

Speaking of surprise picks, James Rew has been added to the squad. With Cox ruled out after yet another injury, this time an abdominal issue, the Somerset youngster has earned a call-up. The 21-year-old became the youngest Englishman since Denis Compton to hit 10 first-class tons

Still, with Smith back, Crawley shaky and Pope under the pump, Bethell’s absence feels louder than ever.