All-format England players like Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, and Jos Buttler may miss the two-match Test series against New Zealand in June, owing to a potential clash with the playoffs stage of the upcoming IPL 2021.

All three players are an integral part of the Rajasthan Royals franchise and also a huge part of England's setup in all formats. The schedule of IPL is yet to be announced but the tournament is likely to begin in the second week of April.

Chris Woakes (Delhi Capitals), Jonny Bairstow (Sunrisers Hyderabad), and Sam Curran (Chennai Super Kings) could also be affected if their respective teams qualify for the play-offs.

The England-New Zealand two-match Test series scheduled for the first two weeks of June and the IPL players might miss the series due to quarantine protocols if their sides qualify for the playoffs.

IPL 2021: New Zealand players to be available for the entire 2021 IPL season

"In the event of ECB Selectors wishing to select a player for the 1st Test v New Zealand whose franchise has made it through to the knockout stages of the Tournament, but who is not featuring in the starting XI, the relevant franchise is requested to release such player early so that they can participate in the Test Match," ESPNCricinfo quoted the IPL email as saying.

A total of 164 Indian players, 125 overseas players, and three players from Associate Nations will be up for grabs in the IPL 2021 Player Auction in Chennai.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has the highest number of available slots, 13, followed by Kings XI Punjab (9), Rajasthan Royals (8), and Kolkata Knight Riders (8). Sunrisers Hyderabad (3) have the least amount of available spots.

(ANI inputs)