England skipper Jos Buttler opened up about his decision to retire from the One Day International (ODI) format after the World Cup in India. There have been rumours that the current ICC World Cup 2023 will be the final competition for many superstar cricketers who have long dominated the format for years to make themselves available for franchise leagues around the globe.
With IPL franchises making acquisitions in the overseas leagues as well, they are keen to retain the same core and player base for all of their sides. According to reports, many franchises have offered some key players a year-long contract to play in the T20 leagues around the globe.
Speaking to Mail Sport, Jos Buttler said that he was to continue playing for the country as long as he fit taking pride in representing the country at the highest level and wants to keep improving himself in the game.
“Hopefully, I will be playing for England a while longer yet, I know I have just ticked over 33, but I don’t feel that old.”
“I don’t think anything can quite replicate playing for your country. It is a huge honour you don’t take for granted, but at the same time, I am pretty calm. That’s where I’m at in my career. I am excited for whatever is left. I still feel there are areas I want to improve and get better as a player, which is a nice place to be because it gives you desire and motivation,” Jos Buttler said.
The 2022 T20 World Cup-winning captain is one of the most sought T20 players in the global leagues, as he can play at any position in the batting order alongside his brilliant wicket-keeping skills for the team and the England skipper is also capable of holding the leadership roles in the team, having led England in the highest level and it will interesting to see whether he quits ODI cricket to play more franchise league in the last few years of his cricketing career.
I Haven’t Heard Anything About International Retirement From Anyone In The Group – Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler said that he is unaware of his teammate’s decision about playing in the ODI cricket after the completion of the 2023 ODI World Cup and asserted that everyone in the team is focused on playing well for the team in the marquee event and that the team doesn’t want to put any pressure on any player by stating that they might be playing their last major events for the country.
“I don’t know anyone’s intentions and I haven’t heard anything about international retirement from anyone in the group. I don’t think if anyone’s thinking that at the moment because they are focused on the team and playing well at the start of an exciting campaign. But there might be individuals after this World Cup who want to make some kind of decision. We don’t need to add pressure by saying this is the last dance or anything like that,” Jos Buttler concluded.
To extend their careers in other formats, several renowned cricketers throughout the world are anticipated to retire from the 50-over game and the defending champions England will take on home-favourites India in the warm-up game of the World Cup on Saturday.
