Jofra Archer ‘not bothered’ by criticism of choosing IPL over England duty

Former England captains Michael Atherton and Michael Vaughan have questioned the ECB’s decision to allow Jofra Archer to continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of England’s first Test against New Zealand, saying national commitments should come first.

However, Rajasthan Royals assistant coach Trevor Penney backed the England fast bowler. “I’ve read some of those articles. It’s quite weird because it’s a big tournament. Everybody knows IPL is the thing to come to as well. So, if he misses one game for England, then so be it. I think that’s how he’s thinking,” Penney said.

The assistant coach made it clear that Archer has not even discussed the issue with his Rajasthan Royals teammates. “It doesn’t bother him, I don’t think. Maybe he’d be a bit annoyed, but I can’t answer for him on that. He’s just getting on as normal. He’s hardly even mentioned it. The guys haven’t even spoken about it. So, it is what it is,” Penney said.

“You either choose to stay here and annoy people there, or you leave here early and then risk upsetting people here and maybe never coming back to the IPL…”

England recently announced its squad for the opening Test against New Zealand, with Archer left out as the ECB continues to carefully manage his return to red-ball cricket following a lengthy injury layoff.

Published on May 23, 2026