England pick five for Windies ODIs despite IPL clash

England have included five Indian Premier League players in their one-day international squad to face the West Indies, including former captain Jos Buttler, but have not ruled out allowing individuals to skip the series in favour of their franchise.
A clash between the closing stages of the IPL and England's three-match series came about after mounting hostilities between India and Pakistan saw the lucrative tournament paused, then rescheduled.
The restarted IPL is due to conclude on June 3, while Harry Brook's first assignment as England captain features games on May 29, June 1 and June 3.
The situation has put the England and Wales Cricket Board in a difficult position, torn between supporting its Indian counterparts at a sensitive time, allowing its players to fulfil their contracts and maintaining the integrity of its own international product.
For now, at least, they have kicked that decision down the road and will continue to mull the situation over.
Buttler's Gujarat Titans top the IPL table, meaning he is highly likely to be at the centre of the dilemma, while Will Jacks (Mumbai Indians) and Jacob Bethell (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) could also find themselves in the same situation.
Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton are with teams who cannot reach the finals.
"We're keen to support the IPL and the BCCI in getting the schedule up and running, and to facilitate players' return should they choose to go back," said a spokesperson for the ECB.
"No objection certificates have been granted based on the original IPL dates, so we'll need to review any potential extensions, particularly in relation to any clash with the final white-ball squad. We'll continue to work closely with the BCCI and the IPL as the situation develops."
England's squad is strikingly similar to the one that underperformed at the Champions Trophy in February, Buttler's last assignment in charge. Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt drop out, as does the injured Mark Wood, with Matthew Potts, Luke Wood, Tom Hartley and Jacks recalled.
There is a notable return for left-arm spinner Liam Dawson, who is named in the T20 squad for another three-match series. The 35-year-old last played for England in 2022 but has become the most reliable slow bowler on the county circuit, also playing BBL for Melbourne Stars.
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