The Indian Premier League has gone through quite a few changes and challenges in the past couple of years. Due to Covid-19's impact on the world, the IPL series had seen a shift in many procedures concerning the location and rules of the games.
A mid-season transfer was brought into the 2020 edition; the first time a mid-season transfer was introduced within the Indian Premier League. Unfortunately, due to the virus, many players were unable to play, and new players had to be brought in to continue the season.
The 2021 edition of the IPL also faced quite a few shortcomings involving the pandemic. There were various cases of COVID-19 forming within many bio-bubbles. The series was suspended indefinitely during season, and around 31 out of 60 matches were left to be played. The series was picked up again later in the year in the United Arab Emirates, rather than in India.
The 2022 IPL was conducted from 26 March - 29th May. The champions of this edition were the Gujarat Titans. This year's tournament saw a lack in the number of players that were regulars for the league, with notable players such as Suresh Raina, Ben Stokes, Mitchell Starc, Eoin Morgan, Chris Gayle, Sam Curran, and Kyle Jamieson having opted out of the league.
Reasons why players chose not to play fluxuated between injuries and COVID-19 restrictions. Yet, a prominent reason why a handful of players had left the league this year was to focus on international games.
"They'll be a time where I'd love to go back to the IPL but in terms of wanting to play as much as I can for Australia that's a decision I've done for a while"
Starc tells espn.in
Moreover, Chris Woakes, Dawid Malan, and Jonny Bairstow had withdrawn to focus on England for the T20 World Cup and the Ashes, amongst Stokes and Jos Butler.
The 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup was won by England in the final against Pakistan. There were incredible performances from Stokes and Curran that allowed for the cup to be brought home to England.
The pandemic has seen a change in the usual movement of players, preferring international cricket to the IPL. Therefore showcasing the priority of international cricket matches.