Nasser Hussain believes that ECB was right in calling back their players from the IPL

The English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recalled three English players from the glitz and glamour of the Indian Premier League (IPL) before the playoffs commenced. With three One-Day International matches against South Africa and the Champions Trophy looming in, the ECB did not want to risk the fitness of their key players.

The key players were the all-rounder Ben Stokes from Rising Pune Supergiant, Mumbai Indians keeper Jos Buttler and Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Chris Woakes. They recalled the trio for a training camp in Spain this week. However, the decision did not go down well with former England players such as Kevin Pietersen, who suggested that playing IPL would have been better for Ben Stokes and Co instead of training in Spain.

The former English cricketer blasted the decision made by the Cricket Board, saying “Absolutely PATHETIC that @benstokes38 & @josbuttler have to go drink a few beers in Spain instead of playing IPL finals!”

Absolutely PATHETIC that @benstokes38 & @josbuttler have to go drink a few beers in Spain instead of playing IPL finals!

— KP (@KP24) May 14, 2017

Playing for England primary responsibility

However, on the contrary, the former English skipper Nasser Hussain had a different opinion. “The last time I looked Ben Stokes was an England contracted player, who was given a no objections certificate to go and play in the IPL,” Hussain was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

“The reason he got an IPL deal was because of how wonderful he has been for England – and when England tell you to go, you go and when they tell you to turn up to a training camp you turn up to a training camp to prepare for a tournament that we have underachieved in for 20-30 years,” he added.

Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler have been the key players for their franchises before the call-up from England came, with the all-rounder scoring 316 runs and picking up 12 wickets for the Rising Pune Supergiant. Meanwhile, Buttler scored 272 runs in just ten innings for the side in blue.

“I think England are right to have their players back. What difference would one innings in a final have made to Ben Stokes? He might have slogged it up in the air and got out the third ball,” said the former skipper in a rather controversial manner.

“Playing in Sunday’s IPL final would definitely have made a difference to Stokes’ pocket because he would have got paid a little bit more and that’s where eventually this discussion should take us,” said Hussain. “It’s not just a one-off scenario of him missing a final but it’s about a balance between domestic T20 leagues and the riches that are involved in that and international cricket,” added the Chennai-born English batsman.