New Delhi, May 23 -- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had to release Jacob Bethell after consultation with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) just before the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs, it was announced on Saturday. Having been in the RCB squad as a second choice opener, Bethell got to don the RCB colours in the second half of IPL 2026 after Phil Salt's injury.

Coming in place of Salt, Bethell played seven games, scoring only 96 runs, before sustaining an injury to his left ring finger during RCB's match against Punjab Kings on May 17. He even sat out of RCB's final group-stage encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday.

Taking to X, England Cricket wrote, "The England and Wales Cricket Board has agreed with Royal Cha...