Punjab Kings have included Australian cricketer Nathan Ellis in the national team for a traveling reserve for the Twenty20 World Cup. The decision comes after two of their Australian imports – Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith have been dropped for the UAE stint for the 2021 Indian Premier League.
Franchises will not be a part of IPL next month
PBKS agreed to sign Cricbuzz on Friday (August 19). While the franchise was unaware that Jhye and Riley would be unavailable for the rest of the season until tomorrow (18 August), and that they would not be a part of the IPL next month, it was only known to them after Cricket Australia.
Accepting the deal with Cricbuzz, Punjab Kings team CEO Satish Menon said, “We were not aware of the fitness status of Jhye and Riley till yesterday.” “We have signed Ellis as a replacement player. We will announce another replacement in a day or two,” said the franchise’s CEO.
“We are in talks with a few players. Anil (Kumble, head coach) will finalize one soon.”
20 wickets returned for Hobart Hurricanes
The 26-year-old Ellis took a hat-trick on arrival against Bangladesh in the recently-concluded series in Dhaka, in which Australia was beaten 1-4 in an inclusive manner. He has taken five wickets in two T20 matches. Nathan Ellis entered the Aussies after a decent season in the Big Bash League last year, returning 20 wickets for the Hobart Hurricanes. With a base price of Rs 20 lakh, Ellis did not sell at the IPL auction earlier this year.
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According to cricket.com.au, the 26-year-old right-arm pacer was being followed by three IPL franchises and the final deal was subject to Cricket Australia’s approval. However, a Punjab Kings official approved that the deal was done.
CA recognizes Australian players for IPL
CA has recognized all Australian players for the IPL, subject to the fitness and willingness of the players, leaving the final decision up to the players.
Barring vice-captain Pat Cummins, who announced his absence a few months ago, maximum players are expected to play in the UAE leg of IPL 2021, as the Twenty20 World Cup will be held at the same venues.
There may be a few more new signings for the season, while the tournament had 20 Australians when it was postponed to May.
