Michael Vaughan slams ECB over Joffrey Archer's extended IPL stay

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has criticized the ECB’s handling of Joffrey Archer’s availability, insisting centrally contracted players should not prioritize franchise cricket over Test duty as England prepare to open their summer home against New Zealand.

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Vaughan questioned the arrangement between the ECB and the BCCI that allowed several England players, including Archer, to remain in the IPL despite England’s first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 4.

England recently announced their squad for the opening Testwith Archer being left out as the ECB continue to carefully manage his return to red-ball cricket after a long injury lay-off.

Considered one of England’s most dangerous options in Test cricket, the fast bowler has excelled at Lord’s, making his absence a sticking point ahead of the series.

However, Vaughan made it clear that his frustration is directed at the system rather than the player himself.

“I’m sure he’ll be in the squad (for the second Test). He’s coming in mid-June. I think we’ve got a problem in English cricket at the moment because Jofra has obviously stayed for the full IPL. The ECB have a certain agreement with the BCCI that allows all our players to stay for the duration,” Vaughan said.

The former England captain argued that central contracts should be given more importance, especially when it comes to Test cricket.

“If that’s the case, I have a problem with England’s contracts because they’ve been looking after Jofru on a very nice contract for a few years now. So who holds the key? I believe an international contract will outweigh any franchise,” Vaughan added.

While Vaughan acknowledged the value of franchise leagues, he warned against allowing them to overshadow international cricket.

“Look, all these franchise leagues are fantastic. I love them for the players. But I feel like if we start putting the domestic leagues above the Test match, I think there’s a real problem now.”

Vaughan also pointed to the difficult position players are in when boardroom deals conflict with international schedules.

“England have to make a decision, as many talked about last week, rightly so, because we feel that if you play for England in your Test match, the players should be back home and play for England. That’s what your central contract says you should do.”

He suggested that if the ECB intended to allow players to complete their IPL commitments, England’s international calendar should reflect that reality.

“If there is an agreement that the ECB has made with the BCCI, then I think you have to start your Test summer somewhere a bit later.”

Vaughan also framed the issue from a team management perspective, arguing that England should want their strongest attack available from the start of the series.

“If I were Rob Key, the director of cricket, or Brendon McCullum, the coach, I’d want my best bowler playing in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s. Not here.”

For Vaughan, the bigger issue remains the status of Test cricket in the modern game.

“We want to see our best players play Test match cricket. Those who stay go on to play the longest format of the game. I want to see them play for their country.”

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

May 18, 2026 11:31 AM IST