Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals suffered Jofra Archer blow after England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that he would return to action following an elbow injury in the early part of the county season. Thus, the English pace bowling spearhead will not be a part of the upcoming season of IPL starting from March 29.

Meanwhile, the Barbados-born fast bowler sustained a stress fracture of the right elbow during the first Test of England’s series in South Africa at the start of the year. As a result, he missed the next three Tests, the subsequent T20I series and was not considered for selection for England’s two-Test series in Sri Lanka later this month.

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While it was reported earlier that there are bleak chances of Jofra Archer featuring for the Royals, but the recent statement has ruled him out entirely of the tournament. The statement on Saturday (March 7) confirmed that Archer is recovering as expected following an MRI scan in London this week. He will continue his rehabilitation over the next few weeks and will return to competitive cricket for Sussex in May ahead of England’s Test series against West Indies which begins in early June.

Rajasthan Royals were hopeful of Archer’s availability considering that the tournament starts on March 29 and by then the bowler was slated to return to bowling. However, with Jofra Archer centrally contracted to the ECB, they have the final say on his involvement and their statement ends any speculation. The youngster will not be made available for this season’s IPL.

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The Steve Smith-led Royals will now look for a replacement ahead of the season; however, it is almost impossible to fill in the gap caused by the absence of Jofra Archer. Meanwhile, Rajasthan begin their campaign on April 2 against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.