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A new controversy has erupted after former England captain Michael Vaughan openly questioned why Jofra Archer is still busy playing in IPL 2026 while the national team is preparing for an important Test series against New Zealand on home soil.
Vaughan questioned whether franchise leagues were gradually becoming more important than national duty. England are set to begin their home summer with the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 4, but one of their biggest fast bowling stars, Archer, has been left out of the squad.
Michael Vaughan questions Jofra Archer’s stay in IPL 2026
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is carefully managing Jofra Archer’s comeback after several injuries, but Michael Vaughan feels the whole situation sends the wrong message about priorities in modern cricket, as he is actively playing for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026.
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Vaughan was not really happy with the system worked out between the ECB and BCCI, which has allowed England players to remain in the IPL for the entire season, even when England’s international assignments are approaching. However, he is hopeful that Joffra will be included in the team for the second Test.
Cricbuzz quoted Michael Vaughan as saying, “I’m sure he will be in the squad (for the second Test). It comes in mid-June. I think we have a problem in English cricket at the moment because Joffra was obviously staying for the full IPL. The ECB has made some agreement with the BCCI which is allowing all our players to stay for this period.”
Michael Vaughan expresses concern over franchise cricket priorities
Archer has spent the last few years battling serious injury problems and the ECB has continued to support him with a central contract during that difficult period. Because of that, Vaughan feels England should take more control when their top players return to national duty, especially ahead of a big Test series at home.
The cricket pundit said, “If that’s the case, then I have a problem with England’s contracts because Jofra has been seen on a very good contract by them for the last few years. So, who holds the key? I believe international contracts weigh heavily on any franchise.
Look, all these franchise leagues are great. I like them for the players. But I think if we start putting the domestic league above the Test match, I think there is a real problem now.
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The agreement between ECB and BCCI is under question
Vaughan believes that international cricket should always come first for centrally contracted players. According to him, if national boards allow players to stay in franchise leagues when Test matches are being played on home grounds, then the balance of cricket is gradually moving in the wrong direction.
He also warned that this could become a bigger issue in the future if boards continue to make schedules where IPL commitments and international matches overlap. He feels for the players as they are stuck in difficult situations due to the agreements made between the ECB and BCCI.
“If the ECB has made any agreement with the BCCI, then I think you will have to start your Test summer a little late,” the former captain said.
Archer should have been at Lord’s and not in IPL: Vaughan
Vaughan further revealed that if he were in charge, he would want his best fast bowler to be available for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s rather than playing IPL 2026. If I were Rob Key, director of cricket, or Brendon McCullum, the coach, I would want my best bowler to play in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s. Not here.”