England very much Alastair Cook has also raised a debate about Jacob Bethel IPL stint, saying that international cricket should always come before the franchise players. His comments came after Bethell was ruled out of this year’s The Hundred due to a knee injury, which has kept him out of action ahead of England’s Test match against Pakistan. Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast alongside Mo Bobat and Dinesh Karthik, Cook reiterated his earlier objection to Bethell staying in the IPL despite the slim chance.“What I’m saying is, I think this is where it’s most important. I’m here for the Test match in a week’s time, and one of our 3 players (is sitting on the bench)… I think it’s very important that English cricket is more important than the IPL or the franchise. That’s what I think, and obviously, I’m not allowed to think, because IPL is the best tournament in the world,” said the former captain. Cook also questioned the need for Bethell to spend another IPL season on the bench, adding: “So I’m taking it from Jacob Bethel, who sat on the bench last year and learned from all the players, who also sit on the bench and don’t play.“Cook’s comments have gained renewed attention after Bethell suffered a knee injury during England’s ODI against India, forcing him to withdraw from The Hundred, where he was in charge of the Birmingham Phoenix. The setback has also raised doubts about his availability for England’s upcoming match against Pakistan.Earlier this year, Bethell defended his decision to stay at Royal Challengers Bengaluru despite his limited playing time, saying “there is no right or wrong way” and insisting that IPL training helped him grow even though he was not part of the playing XI.
