England opener Phil Salt skips West Indies T20Is to welcome newborn

England’s explosive batsman Phil Salt is set to miss the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies as he is on paternity leave, according to ESPNcricinfo.

During IPL 2025, Salt had flown back home after the Qualifier 1 clash in which his team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, defeated Punjab Kings to seal a spot in the final. He later returned to RCB’s squad in the early hours of June 3, the same day the IPL 2025 final was scheduled.

In the title clash, the 28-year-old managed to score just 16 runs off nine deliveries, which included two boundaries and a six.

In the second innings, during the run-chase of 191, Punjab Kings were restricted to 184, thanks to match-winning spells from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya. With this all-round performance, RCB ended their 17-year-long wait to lift their maiden IPL trophy.

Salt concluded his IPL 2025 campaign with 403 runs in 13 matches. He averaged 33.59 and maintained an impressive strike rate of 175.98, including four half-centuries.

Speaking about the victory, Salt told ESPNcricinfo: “It’s an unbelievable feeling right now. I’ll be honest with you, I don’t quite know where I am at the minute. I’ve not had the most sleep, but I’m so proud of the boys.”

When asked whether his newborn had brought him luck, Salt replied, “He did. I’ve got a lucky charm now. I’m over the moon.”

Following RCB’s historic win, the franchise and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) organized a victory parade. However, the celebrations turned tragic as a stampede broke out near the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, leading to the death of 11 fans and injuring several others.

Earlier on Tuesday, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced their squad for the three-match T20 International series against England, scheduled from June 6 to 10. This will be followed by another three T20Is against Ireland, set to take place from June 12 to 15.

Squad for T20Is against England: Shai Hope (Captain), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King (Vice Captain), Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd

This article first appeared on Mid Day