‘Times have changed’: Jos Buttler defends Bethell’s IPL decision over county return

Young England talent Jacob Bethell has received support from experienced pros for staying in the Indian Premier League (IPL) instead of returning to England to play county cricket. The young all-rounder has received support from former England captain Jos Buttler and legendary paceman Stuart Broad both of whom feel that things are a little different these days.

The debate began after former England captain Alastair Cook suggested that Bethell should have gone back to play county cricket rather than warm the bench in the IPL. However, the youngster stayed with his franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Considered to be one of the most exciting talents in English cricket Bethell didn't play much at the start of the season but the injury to Phil Salt presented the chance to play the final few matches of the season.

Speaking on the podcast 'Tuffers and Vaughan' alongside Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler explained why it's good for him to be in the IPL.

Jos said:

"I think unless you've played in the IPL and been here and experienced it, it's very difficult to say that's the best place to be, I think that old school way of thinking would be, you're not playing there get back and play cricket."

'Times have changed' as modern cricket reflects

Buttler added that there are contracts and agreements to uphold and he had put his name forward to play in the IPL

He Further Added:

"But also, you've put your name in the auction last year. You've signed a contract that you're going to be here and you've got to honour that contract as well."

he concluded:

"I think it's quite simple to be honest. Times have changed and that's the position of the modern game and he's a brilliant player"

Stuart Broad agrees that while county cricket is still an important stepping stone in players careers and will always play its role franchise cricket also has unique benefits that young English cricketers will be desperate to avail themselves of. One thing that is most apparent is the fact that it would be futile for him to aim for a starting XI position for RCB if he's not present in the camp.

Stuart Broad said :

"And ultimately from his point of view he is in the England team. His last Test match innings, or Test match, he got a hundred in Sydney," he added. "He's not going to get in the RCB team by not being there."

These comments demonstrate how far franchise cricket has come and the extent to which even the top England players are aware of its influence on the global cricketing landscape. County cricket may be the bedrock of English cricket, but the IPL and similar franchise competitions are proving to be beneficial learning experiences in their own way and provide young professionals like Bethell with opportunities that perhaps county cricket doesn't currently offer at this level.

As for performance, he hasn't had the impact that he will have wanted, only making 39 runs in 3 innings and failing to really find any sort of rhythm during his stint. However, the opinion of former international teammates shows that there is much more at play than simply whether a player is good enough or not at this moment in time.