From Mark Wood to Harry Brook: List of England players who pulled out of IPL 2024 at the last minute

England players’ last-minute IPL withdrawals raise concerns

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has often been the stage where cricketing talents from around the world showcase their skills, but the recurring trend of England players pulling out at the eleventh hour is causing concern among fans and franchises alike. This year like any other year, several English cricketers have withdrawn from the IPL 2024, leaving their respective teams scrambling for replacements.

One such player is Mark Wood, who was set to represent the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in this year’s tournament. However, the England fast-bowler was withdrawn by his cricket board to manage his workload ahead of the T20 World Cup in June and a busy home summer. Wood’s absence comes despite being bought for a hefty sum of Rs. 7.5 crore by LSG in the IPL 2022 auction. His limited participation in previous seasons due to injuries has raised questions about the reliability of England players in the IPL.

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Similarly, Gus Atkinson, who was signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last year, has also been pulled out by the English cricket board (ECB) to manage his workload. Despite his last international appearance dating back to December last year, Atkinson’s withdrawal has left KKR searching for alternatives. The 26-year-old’s lack of experience at the international level adds to the uncertainty surrounding England players’ commitments to the IPL.

Jason Roy, known for his aggressive batting style, cited personal reasons for his withdrawal from IPL 2024. Roy’s decision comes despite his impressive performance for KKR last season, where he showcased a remarkable strike rate of 151.60 in eight matches. This isn’t the first time Roy has opted out of the IPL, raising doubts about the reliability of English players in the tournament.

Delhi Capitals also faced a setback with Harry Brook withdrawing from the IPL just days before its commencement. Brook, who was acquired for Rs. 4 crore in the IPL 2024 auction, cited personal reasons for his decision. His underwhelming IPL debut last year with Sunrisers Hyderabad, coupled with his sudden withdrawal, highlights the challenges IPL franchises face in securing reliable overseas talent.

The recurring trend of England players pulling out of the IPL raises questions about their commitment to the league and its fans. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should consider implementing stricter regulations to ensure players honor their commitments once they are drafted into IPL teams. As the countdown to IPL 2024 begins, fans hope to see a more reliable and committed pool of players gracing the tournament.