Liam Livingstone has been given the green light by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to compete in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), but Jonny Bairstow has been denied permission to compete. The Punjab team, which spent more than Rs 18 crore on the two English batsmen, relied on both of them heavily. Sam Curran, another important English player for the Punjab team, cost the organization almost as much as his two senior England teammates.
The ECB has decided not to give Bairstow the NOC for the season, which begins on March 31. He underwent surgery in October for a broken leg and a dislocated ankle, and according to sources, he should be back in action in a few weeks. Later in the year, the ECB is hoping he will be available for the Ashes. Since August, Bairstow (33), who was acquired by Punjab Kings for Rs 6.75 crore in the 2022 auction, has not participated in a competitive cricket match.
Livingstone’s participation was also confirmed, as well as Curran’s. When PBKS purchased the English all-rounder for Rs 18.50 crore earlier this year during an IPL auction, he became the purchase with the highest price tag. All other English players, excluding Will Jacks but including Mark Wood (Lucknow), Jofra Archer (Mumbai Indians), and Ben Stokes (Chennai Super Kings), will compete in the IPL, according to sources. Jacks, who Royal Challengers Bangalore paid Rs 3.2 crore for, is out due to an injury. Michael Bracewell has already been named by RCB as his successor.
England players in IPL 2023
Sam Curran (Punjab Kings), Ben Stokes (Chennai Super Kings), Harry Brook (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Phil Salt (Delhi Capitals), Reece Topley (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Adil Rashid (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Joe Root (Rajasthan Royals), Liam Livingstone (Punjab Kings), Jonny Bairstow (Punjab Kings), Moeen Ali (Chennai Super Kings), Jofra Archer (Mumbai Indians), Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals), David Willey (Royal Challengers Bangalore) and Mark Wood (Lucknow Super Giants).
