England have banned Jofra Archer from participating in next year’s Indian Premier League, but he is still seen playing for his former school team in Barbados. Archer’s unexpected appearance in the Barbados Cricket Association league had England surprised as he bowled four for 18. This took place on Sunday for Foundation. His surprise performance in Barbados surprised the England director of men’s cricket, Rob Key. Key said that Archer was bowling out during drills with the England team and seemed like a master, but they want to take it slow with him.
Archer had been ruled out of the Ashes due to a stress fracture in his right elbow, and England has denied him permission to join the Indian Premier League in order to ease him back into the game. For the new year Test tour of India, Shoaib Bashir, a 20-year-old off-spinner who made his first-class debut for Somerset only six months ago, has been called into the England squad. Sheikh is one of three uncapped players in the squad of 16. England coach Robson Barlow said that Archer appeared to be on the road to recovery.
Even though Archer was keen to participate in the Indian Premier League, England wants to be in control of his rehabilitation process. They don’t want to rush him and risk further injury. Meanwhile, with Ben Stokes recovering from knee surgery, it is uncertain whether he will lead the team during the tour of India. The first of the five games against India is set to begin on January 25. While Stuart Broad has retired, the England squad includes four fast bowlers along with Bashir.