'Most cherished memories have come in Pink shirt' - Jos Buttler pens emotional note after release ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction

England's white-ball skipper Jos Buttler penned down an emotional note to Rajasthan Royals following his release ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, ending his seven-season association with the franchise.

Buttler's stint with the Royals began in 2018, and he quickly made himself one of the franchise's most impactful players. In his final season with the Royals in 2024, he scored 359 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 140.78, including two centuries. The explosive wicketkeeper-batter took to his social media account to share his message:

"If it turns out that this is the end, thank you Rajasthan Royals, and everyone involved with the franchise for 7 incredible seasons together. 2018 kickstarted the best years of my cricketing career and many of my most cherished memories have come in a Pink shirt over the last 6 years. Thank you for welcoming me and my family with open arms. Could write so much more but let's leave it there, Buttler wrote on his Instagram.

The Royals acknowledged Buttler's contribution with a tribute: "You will be one of the greatest ever to wear Pink. Forever a part of the Royals Family."

Also Read: Rajasthan Royals retain four players; Jos Buttler, Yuzvendra Chahal set to be released

Forever a part of the Royals Family: Rajasthan Royals

Interestingly, no English players were retained by any of the ten IPL franchises for the 2025 season. Notable names like Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Phil Salt, and Will Jacks were all released by their respective teams.

Rajasthan Royals have opted to retain their Indian core, with captain Sanju Samson and youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal both secured for INR 18 crore each. The franchise has also shown faith in Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel for INR 14 crore each, while West Indies power-hitter Shimron Hetmyer remains their sole overseas retention at INR 11 crore. With these retentions, the inaugural champions move forward with a purse of INR 41 crore and have 19 more slots to fill.