The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to kick off on March 31, and cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the start of the tournament. However, there have been some setbacks for one of the teams, Punjab Kings, as two of their star English players have been affected by injury concerns.
Jonny Bairstow, who was bought by Punjab Kings for Rs 6.75 crore in the auction last year, underwent surgery on a broken leg and dislocated ankle in October. Although he is expected to be able to play in a couple of weeks’ time, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has denied him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the IPL season due to his recent injury.
They were hoping to rely on Bairstow’s experience and skills during the tournament. However, it also shows the importance that the board places on player welfare and recovery, ensuring that Bairstow is fully fit before letting him participate in competitive cricket.
IPL will begin on March 31
On the other hand, Liam Livingstone has been cleared to play in the IPL for Punjab Kings after recovering from injuries sustained during the Rawalpindi Test last December. The Lancashire County Cricket Club player was bought by the franchise for Rs 11.50 crores and will be available for the entire tournament.
Sam Curran, another English all-rounder, will also be playing for Punjab Kings after being bought for a whopping Rs 18.50 crore at the auction earlier this year. His inclusion in the team adds depth to both the batting and bowling departments, making Punjab Kings a formidable side on paper.
Apart from Livingstone and Curran, several other England players will be taking part in the IPL, including Mark Wood (Lucknow), Jofra Archer (Mumbai Indians), and Ben Stokes (Chennai Super Kings). The only exception is Will Jacks, who has been ruled out due to injury and replaced by Michael Bracewell in the Royal Challengers Bangalore team.
