IPL 2023: Bitter-Sweet DAY for PBKS! ECB denies NOC to Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone to play whole IPL 16 while most-expensive Sam Curran also available for Punjab KINGS, CHECK Details

IPL 2023: Liam Livingstone has been given the green light by the England and Wales Cricket Board to compete in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2023 (IPL 2023). But Jonny Bairstow has been denied permission to play for PBKS by ECB. The Punjab team, which spent more than Rs 18 crore on the two English batters, relied on them heavily.

Sam Curran, another important English player for the Punjab team, cost the organisation almost as much as his two senior England teammates.

#SherSquad, we need your undying love and support this year more than ever. We are in this together! ♥️#SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/CnS9DNlcqJ

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 21, 2023

The ECB has opted not to offer 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 of Cricbuzz, 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.

Because to knee and ankle ailments, Livingstone (29) has been sidelined since the Rawalpindi Test in December. He did, however, take part in recent off-season training for the Lancashire County Cricket Club in Dubai and has now returned home.

Although his participation in the IPL has not been formally announced, Cricbuzz has learned that Livingstone would be available for Punjab Kings during the entire IPL season. The franchise paid 11.50 crores to acquire him.

Sam Curran will take part in IPL 2023

Livingstone’s involvement 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.

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The 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 sidelined 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).

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