A clip from the commentary box during the fifth Australia-England Test has gone viral after David Warner revealed that England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow was unhappy with the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) policy on player participation in franchise cricket.
During a discussion featuring Michael Vaughan, Adam Gilchrist, and Warner, the commentators discussed how the IPL’s scheduling and commitments pull players away from international and domestic duties.
Vaughan raised the issue of franchise obligations, stating that England players tied to IPL teams must commit to the full tournament. “I think England players, David probably knows more, that was signed to the franchise IPL teams. You had to commit for the full tournament. And that was the deal that was done,” Vaughan explained.
Warner then revealed the controversy surrounding England’s franchise cricket policy. “I think England and New Zealand are the same. They’re allowing their players to go over there before. I think England, I’m not too sure. You can only play one franchise tournament, I think, within that county stint. And I think Johnny Bairstow wasn’t happy that he couldn’t go and play PSL. So they were allowing him to play IPL but not PSL. And that was the argument of why they allowed them just to play that specifically,” Warner stated.
The Australian opener explained how different boards manage franchise participation. “With Australia, they’re remunerated 110 percent. 100 percent goes to the player, 10 percent to Cricket Australia. And that’s how the initial deal was done to get the Australian players the ticket of approval to go over there. So, and that’s how you have to get those competitions up and running. And now look at it. It’s a juggernaut. It’s a great competition,” Warner said.
Warner highlighted Australia’s scheduling dilemma where domestic cricket clashes with the IPL. Australia’s Sheffield Shield finals run into late April, overlapping with the IPL season.
“Shield cricket goes into the finals or into late April. So if state teams want players like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood, or Steve Smith for the final, the IPL teams say, well no, we want them over in the IPL. So it’s a decision from CA’s point of view and clearly one from ECB’s point of view,’ Warner explained.”
Both the PSL and IPL 2026 are set to begin in March, 2026, marking the second consecutive year the two leagues will run simultaneously. The PSL will conclude on May 3, while the IPL will extend until May 31.
Several high-profile players have already committed to the PSL, with former England all-rounder Moeen Ali and former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis confirming their participation after opting out of the IPL 2026 auction. Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has also withdrawn from the IPL auction, though his PSL participation remains unconfirmed.