Cook Reignites Jacob Bethell IPL Debate
Former England captain Alastair Cook has questioned Jacob Bethell’s decision to remain with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during the IPL, claiming that international cricket should always come first.
After Bethell’s removal from this year’s Cook’s comments have resurfaced after he suffered a knee injury, depriving him of crucial match practice ahead of England’s upcoming Test series against Pakistan.
His availability for the red-ball assignment has also been questioned due to an injury sustained during the ODI series against India.
In an interview with Mo Bobat and Dinesh Karthik, Cook reinforced his views, arguing that England’s responsibilities should come before the IPL.
“What I’m saying is, I believe this is where it truly matters. I’m here for the Test match in a week, and one of our top three players (is on the bench)… I believe that English cricket is more important than the IPL or franchises.
That’s what I think, and it appears I’m not allowed to think that because the IPL is the best tournament in the world,” the former captain remarked on the Stick to Cricket podcast.
Cook questioned whether Bethell’s development would have benefited from another season on the IPL bench, stating that regular game time would be more beneficial.
I’m sitting here, my No. 3 to the side I truly want to win, which is England; no disrespect to RCB or any other franchise, I want England to be the most successful team.”
Watch the video here.
One of Stick to Cricket’s most heated debates! 🔥
You will not want to miss this… 8am tomorrow. 📺 pic.twitter.com/NylsQZ1mTn
— Stick to Cricket (@StickToCricket) July 21, 2026
Bethell defended his decision to stay with the RCB earlier this year, despite having few opportunities in the starting lineup.
Even without regular match time, the young batter argued that training with some of the world’s best players in the IPL had tremendously improved his growth and that there was “no right or wrong way” to deal with such situations.
