Former England cricketer Nick Knight has shared his thoughts on why English players are skipping the Indian Premier League (IPL). With top players like Harry Brook and Ben Duckett choosing not to participate, debates have sparked over whether England cricketers still see value in playing in the IPL. Knight believes that since the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) pays players well and takes care of them, they may not feel the need to join overseas leagues. Let’s dive into the details.
Nick Knight on Why English Players Are Skipping IPL
In recent years, several English cricketers have opted out of the IPL, leading to discussions on their involvement in the tournament. Harry Brook, for example, has pulled out of the IPL for the second consecutive season. Reports also suggest that Delhi Capitals approached Ben Duckett, but he declined the offer.
Nick Knight believes this trend is due to the ECB’s efforts to prioritize England’s national team. He explained that with upcoming major tournaments, like the five-Test series against India and the Ashes, England wants its top players to be available.
“Rob Key, who is in charge back at the ECB, has basically tried to—and he’s fairly right—encouraged his players to play as much for England [as possible],” Knight said.
Are English Cricketers Financially Secure Without IPL?
According to Knight, English players are well-paid by the ECB and are “well looked after.” This financial stability means they don’t have to rely on IPL contracts to make money. Unlike players from some other nations, who use T20 leagues to boost their earnings, many English cricketers are already earning enough from their national contracts.
“They’ve got multi-format players, like Harry Brook and Mark Wood—they’re pretty well looked-after now. And they’re going to have to be looked after,” Knight explained.
Alternative T20 Leagues for English Players
Nick Knight also pointed out that if English players are not getting high bids in the IPL, they have other options. Several new T20 leagues are emerging worldwide, offering good money and playing opportunities.
“There are other leagues popping up as well. If you’re not going to get the full price [at the IPL auctions] that perhaps you might want to get, you might want to play in another league,” Knight said.
This suggests that instead of competing for IPL contracts, English players might choose to play in leagues like The Hundred (England), SA20 (South Africa), or Major League Cricket (USA).
English Players in IPL: Numbers Are Dropping
The participation of English players in the IPL is on the decline. In 2024, 18 English cricketers played in the tournament. However, in 2025, only 10 English players are part of the league. This drop further supports the idea that English players are shifting their focus elsewhere.
Nick Knight’s comments highlight a shift in priorities for English cricketers. With strong financial backing from the ECB and a packed schedule of international matches, many players no longer feel the need to play in the IPL. While some may still join for experience or financial reasons, others are considering alternative T20 leagues. As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how English player participation evolves in the coming years.
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