Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants are likely to rope in Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed as Mark Wood’s replacement. Wood, who was acquired for INR 7.5 crore, has suffered an elbow injury and will miss the entire season.
The English pacer copped up the injury during the 1st Test against West Indies and had to walk out of the ground holding his elbow in utter pain. He was eventually ruled out of the series and later revealed that Mark Wood will miss the IPL.
If reports are to be believed, Lucknow mentor Gautam Gambhir is keen to have Taskin Ahmed on board, who can rack up some good pace with the ball. Although he is yet to feature in the IPL but has significant international experience.
As per Bangladesh website Kaler Kanth, Gambhir has contacted with Bangladesh Cricket Board over Taskin’s availability. He will have to skip the Test series against South Africa if he agree to grab the deal.
“I want Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed in the team and that is for the whole season. If he agrees to the offer, Taskin will have to leave for India before the next two Tests against South Africa,” the former Indian opener was quoted as saying.
Taskin, who has so far taken 23 wickets in 33 T20Is, is currently serving Bangladesh in the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa, which concludes on March 23. He has sought some time to decide on the deal.
The report also adds that BCB agrees the reality of franchise cricket and is likely to give Taskin Ahmed a NOC if he decides to join Lucknow Super Giants.
“Franchise cricket is a reality now. You can’t hold anyone even if you want to. BCB president Nazmul Hasan is also generous in accepting the reality,” a member of the Bangladesh team was quoted as saying by Kaler Kanth.
“That’s why a key member of the team said that Taskin is more likely to get leave,” added the source.
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