Availability issues for England ahead of Bangladesh tour

The England Cricket Team face a dilemma announcing their squad later this week for the upcoming Bangladesh tour as several key players have reportedly opted out of the tour citing franchise commitments specifically due to a scheduling clash with the Pakistan Super League, while English daily The Telegraph reported on Wednesday.

England's white-ball tour of Bangladesh starts on March 1 comprising of three ODIs and three T20Is. Before that, the Test side will play two Tests in New Zealand where the latter match will conclude on February 28 hence ruling out core players like Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett and Jos Buttler for at least the start of the tour.

The Telegraph already reported that England opener Alex Hales opted to forgo the tour as he had a lucrative contract with a PSL franchise. It further hinted that Sam Billings, James Vince, and Liam Dawson would follow suit.

Scheduling conflicts, lucrative franchise commitments, and a few injuries have meant that England will have no choice but to name a squad missed with a few experienced players and possibly several new faces. 

Johnny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone have already been sidelined due to injury, but speedster Mark Wood, who has been rested following the tour of Pakistan is set to return.