England players may skip Sri Lanka T20 series for WPL playoffs

England women's cricket players, including captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, may be excused from the upcoming T20 international series against Sri Lanka to prioritize the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 knockout stages.

Sri Lanka Cricket has scheduled the three-match T20 series for February 1, 3, and 5 in Pallekele. These matches serve as preparation for the inaugural Women's T20 Champions Trophy, which was moved to India and rescheduled for February 14–28.

An England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) source indicated that if players reach the WPL knockout phase, they may continue playing for their respective franchises. This flexibility addresses potential scheduling conflicts caused by the rescheduled Champions Trophy. Key players like Sciver-Brunt, Lauren Bell, and Sophie Ecclestone have been retained for the 2027 WPL season.