New Delhi: The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is all set to commence from April 9 with eight teams gearing up to battle it out for the trophy.
This year at least 1,293, including 363 overseas cricketers had applied for the IPL auction out of which only 292 were shortlisted. While the cash-rich League is about to start in a week, there are several players who have pulled out of IPL 2021.
Here is a list of all the players who recently opted out of IPL 2021:
Josh Hazelwood (Chennai Super Kings): Ace Australian fast bowler Josh Hazelwood has opted out of IPL 2021 to prepare for the upcoming Sheffield Shield season and also to spend time with his family. Hazlewood was scheduled to play his second season for the three-time champion Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Hazelwood played only three matches for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2020.
“It’s been a long 10 months in bubbles and quarantine at different times, so I decided to have a rest from cricket and spend some time at home and in Australia in the next two months,” Hazlewood was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
Mitchell Marsh (Sunrisers Hyderabad): Australia and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has also pulled out of Indian Premier League Sources within the SunRisers Hyderabad management confirmed that the Australian has pulled out from this year’s edition citing personal reasons.
Last year, Mitchell Marsh was not able to play the entire season for Sunrisers Hyderabad after he was ruled out of IPL citing an ankle injury. England opener Jason Roy replaced Mitchell Marsh for this season of IPL. The right-hand batsman had remained unsold in the auction after being released by Capitals earlier this year.
Josh Phillipe (Royal Challengers Bangalore): Australian wicket-keeper batsman Josh Phillipe had pulled out of IPL earlier this month. He will be replaced by New Zealand’s Finn Allen in the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad.
“Royal Challengers Bangalore have signed up New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Finn Allen as a replacement for Josh Philippe who will be unavailable for the entire season,” an IPL release said.
Dale Steyn (Royal Challengers Bangalore): South African pacer Dale Steyn decided to give IPL 2021 a miss as he seeks more time away from the sport. “I’m also not planning on playing for another team, just taking some time off during that period. Thank you to RCB for understanding,” he had said. The cricketer has been a vital part of the IPL since the inception of the tournament in 2008.
Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals): England pacer Jofra Archer participation in this year’s IPL is still doubtful. According to reports Archer is likely to miss the first four games of Rajasthan Royals. On Wednesday, the England and Wales Cricket Board stated that Jofra Archer had undergone successful surgery to remove a fragment of glass from the middle finger of his right hand. He will now commence two weeks of rehabilitation post which he will be reviewed by a consultant before he returns to training.
“England pace bowler Jofra Archer underwent successful surgery to his right hand on Monday. A fragment of glass was removed during the operation to his middle finger on his right hand, He will now commence two weeks of rehabilitation. The consultant will review him before returning to training,” ECB said in a statement.
