The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has cleared Liam Livingstone to participate in the upcoming Indian Premier League but has ruled out Jonny Bairstow. A total of more than Rs 18 crore was spent on the two English players by Punjab. Aside from the two senior England players, Sam Curran was also a significant investment for the franchise.
Within two weeks, Bairstow, who had surgery in October to repair a broken leg and dislocated ankle, is expected to return to the field. However, given the long injury lay-off, the ECB has decided not to issue him the NOC for the forthcoming season. According to the ECB, he is expected to be available for the Ashes later in the year. Since August, Bairstow (33) has not played competitive cricket for the Punjab Kings. The 23-year-old was purchased for Rs 6.75 crore at the 2022 auction.
He has been out of action since the Rawalpindi Test last December due to injuries to his knee and ankle. Although he recently participated in Lancashire County Cricket Club’s off-season training in Dubai, he has returned home. While there has been no official announcement regarding Livingstone’s participation in the IPL, Cricbuzz reported that he would be available for the entire season. It will be for the Punjab Kings. The franchise purchased him for a price of Rs 11.50 crores.
