IPL 2016: In comparison with IPL and BBL, Jos Buttler labels Natwest T20 Blast as 'not great'

Jos Buttler is an integral part of England’s ODI and T20I teams with his monstrous hitting ability. Experiencing IPL for the first time in his career, the wicket-keeper batsman has caught the eye of the Indian public as Mumbai Indians’ designated finisher.

In an interview with The Cricket Monthly, the 25-year old candidly accepted that the IPL was far ahead of the ECB’s Natwest T20 Blast and called for his countrymen to adopt a similar franchise-based tournament.

Buttler enthused, “ I don't think our [domestic] T20 competition is great. Everyone watches the Big Bash and the IPL and wants to be a part of that. To experience something on a domestic level in England that is just like international cricket - every county player would love that.”

At a time when the county season has just begun, top English cricketers usually are not released by the ECB for the IPL. However, since Andrew Strauss took over as Director of Cricket, England have started showing signs of warming up to limited-overs cricket.

A major reason behind their shift in thought process was the disastrous World Cup campaign in 2015 which drew ire from the English public. Following his appointment, Strauss had openly admitted that England’s premier white-ball players needed exposure by playing in leagues such as the IPL and Big Bash.

Buttler affirmed that the upheaval was necessary. He felt, “I think it's a really important change and it's a bit of a shame it's taken so long. But, I do understand it's very tricky with the timing of our county season.”

The dynamic right-hander added, “Someone like a Ben Stokes would be high on IPL teams' lists. But, he's such an important player for England in all three formats. Joe Root too. How do they get everything in? But, it would be fantastic for English cricket and all the individuals if there's the potential to get players into these tournaments.”

He also quipped that ECB’s refreshing approach is also being lapped up by the people. Buttler asserted, “I think it's great that now in England it's not seen as derogatory to say you want to be a one-day cricketer.”

The Taunton-born cricketer noted, “And that's great as it really opens up lots of doors for people and makes them feel a lot more comfortable about thinking, 'You know what, I'm really good at one-day cricket and I want to give that my all‘.”

However, Buttler has not given up on reclaiming his Test spot. He revealed, “If I could one day maybe win back that Test place, that would be great. But, I've got lots of things to concentrate on at the minute and enjoy as well.”