Sixteen Australian players were part of this year’s IPL, but most of them are unlikely to return when the tournament resumes on May 17. With the World Test Championship final scheduled for June 11, players from both Australia and South Africa will be unavailable. In addition, due to bilateral international series, many cricketers from England and the West Indies are also expected to miss the remaining matches. Franchises relying heavily on players from these four countries now find themselves in trouble.
The IPL was abruptly halted on May 8 during the Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals match in Dharamshala due to escalating India-Pakistan tensions. Among the worst-hit teams in terms of missing foreign players is Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore. They won’t have Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood or South African seamer Lungi Ngidi. Additionally, Caribbean all-rounder Romario Shepherd and English batter Tom Banton (misstated earlier as Tom Bethell) will also be unavailable.
Punjab Kings may lose South African speedster Marco Jansen, while Mumbai Indians might miss their Proteas duo Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch. English batter Will Jacks is also unlikely to return.
Gujarat Titans’ four main overseas players include England’s Jos Buttler, West Indies’ Sherfane Rutherford, and South Africans Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee. Rumors suggest Buttler and Coetzee might still make it.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are already out of the playoff race, will likely be without Australians Pat Cummins and Travis Head. Rajasthan Royals could also be missing England’s Jofra Archer due to the same scheduling conflicts.
UA / TDS
