Wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler, like all-rounder Ben Stokes, is preparing for next month's Indian Premier League despite the likelihood of an indefinite postponement.
The start of the 2020 IPL has been delayed from 29 March to 15 April as a preventative measure against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. It might be subjected to further delays.
“We saw that initially it was going to be postponed until 15 April, but I think at the moment everything seems very indefinite,” said Buttler.
“It's very hard to see this situation changing in the immediate future, so I don't see that as a possibility at the moment. But as we know, things can hopefully change for the positive quickly as well.
“That's such a massive tournament for world cricket, so hopefully it becomes a situation where some of it can be played or it can become a shortened tournament, or something can go ahead.”
Buttler is part of the Rajasthan Royals squad, which also features Stokes and England fast bowler Tom Curran. He was part of the England squad for this month's Test series in Sri Lanka, which was also halted.
“Throughout the calendar, it's always so busy and you're looking for times when you can get a bit of a break. But actually trying to use the time as a positive. Of course, it's really unfortunate circumstances and it's tough for everyone, but it's very rare that in your professional career you get the chance to have a proper break, and an enforced break for everyone at the moment,” added Buttler.
“Although lots of people will be different, for me I'm just trying to make the most of this time and give myself a bit of a mental break and have a bit of time at home.”
The 29-year-old Buttler has represented several franchises in domestic T20 cricket, including the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder in Australia's Big Bash League. He has played 41 Tests, 142 ODIs and 69 T20Is since debuting for England in 2011.
He has struck 40 half-centuries in professional T20 cricket, with a highest score of 95 not out. The hard-hitting right-hander also boasts 11 List A tons.
