Punjab Kings batter Liam Livingstone is likely to miss the opening clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2023 Indian Premier League. The opener will take place on Saturday, April 1 at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. Livingstone hasn’t joined the franchise yet as he hasn’t got a fitness clearance from the England Cricket Board (ECB).
With Punjab Kings’ first game just around the corner, Liam Livingstone will have to miss out on the match. He is likely to join the team for the second game against Rajasthan Royals which will take place on Wednesday, April 5 in Guwahati. Speaking to PTI, a source said,
“He is out of the first game at least as the ECB is conducting scans to determine his fitness status. He should be available from the second game onwards.”
The right-handed batter was recovering from a knee injury he suffered in December ahead of his Test debut against Pakistan. He last played a match in the 2022 T20 World Cup final against Pakistan. Livingstone has to get clearance from the England Cricket Board to join the Punjab Kings for the Indian Premier League.
Kagiso Rabada to miss the opening clash against Kolkata Knight Riders
The Punjab Kings will also be without the services of Kagiso Rabada for their opening match of the 2023 Indian Premier League against Kolkata Knight Riders. He will be busy with national duties and is expected to reach India on April 3. Kagiso Rabada is likely to join the team for the second game against the Rajasthan Royals.
Earlier, England wicket-keeper batter Jonny Bairstow was ruled out of the 2023 Indian Premier League season. He is yet to recover from a freak ankle injury that he suffered last year while playing golf. Punjab Kings named Australian cricketer Matthew Short as his replacement for the upcoming season.
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