Alastair Cook, the former England captain, has advised Jacob Bethell to leave the Indian Premier League and return to county cricket with Warwickshire, after the young batter spent six matches on the sidelines for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Cook said Bethell should not be 'sitting on his arse at the IPL not doing anything' and that ideally he could come back and open for Warwickshire to help England. Bethell is earning around £250,000 from his IPL deal, according to multiple reports. Cook's advice comes as Bethell has yet to make his IPL debut, having been an unused substitute in all six matches so far.
Kevin Pietersen, the former England cricketer, criticised Cook's advice, saying Cook has 'absolutely no idea what it's like to be in the IPL' and that his opinion on Bethell does not matter. Pietersen urged Bethell to stay in India, arguing that even without playing, he is learning by being around the best players. Bethell himself said he feels better now than a month ago after the World Cup, through being around the team and the standard of cricket in India. He noted that the IPL has a completely different feel and that everyone ups their game subconsciously. Bethell added that being in the IPL environment has helped him improve his skills and mental approach.
Cook has absolutely no idea what it's like to be in the IPL. What's it's like to always be around the best players in the world. So his opinion on Jacob Bethell doesn't matter at all. Stay in India, Jacob. I know, even though you're not playing, you're learning and will be a way better player.
Bethell scored a century in the final Test at Sydney in January 2025 and a 105 in the T20 World Cup semi-final against India in March 2025, according to multiple reports. These performances have raised his profile, but his lack of game time in the IPL could affect his Test selection for the summer. In contrast, Ben Duckett pulled out of a contract with Delhi Capitals to play for Nottinghamshire and shore up his Test spot. Duckett's decision highlights the different approaches players are taking to balance IPL opportunities with England commitments. It remains unclear whether Bethell will get any game time in the IPL this season or follow Cook's advice to return early.
Alastair Cook confirmed he will not be taking over as the new national selector for England, stating: 'I am categorically not going to be a selector for England.' Cook's decision ends speculation that he might take on the role, which has been vacant since the previous selector stepped down. The England and Wales Cricket Board is now expected to continue its search for a new national selector.
For that top order batting, the way he played at Sydney, against that attack, in those conditions…I’ve looked at a player there and I’m certain this bloke can open. If he can bat three, he can open. (But) it’s not ideal, is it? Bethell shouldn’t really be it because he’s not opening. He’s sitting on his arse at the IPL not doing anything. Ideally he could come back and open for Warwickshire to help England.
I am categorically not going to be a selector for England.