IPL 2023: 5 Foreign Players who Could Miss the Tournament

The eagerly anticipated 16th edition of the Indian Premier League is on the horizon and fans are eagerly awaiting its arrival. IPL 2023 will feature ten teams competing in a 2.5-month-long tournament that commences on March 31. In anticipation of the event, we have compiled a list of five cricketers who are expected to miss some or all of the tournament.

Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes, the England Test captain, is scheduled to play for CSK in IPL 2023. However, he has already announced that he may miss some of the league if necessary to prepare for the upcoming Ashes series, which begins in mid-June. As the IPL season extends until the end of May, this would allow Stokes to switch to the Test format and participate in England’s one-off Test match against Ireland in early June, providing an ideal opportunity to prepare for the Ashes. It is possible that other players may also choose to follow his example. Keep reading to find out more.

Sam Curran

Similar to Stokes, all-rounder Sam Curran is also expected to play a crucial role for England in the upcoming Ashes series. The Test matches against Australia hold significant importance for England, as they aim to regain the urn. Curran, who was purchased by the Punjab Kings, may choose to rest and skip half of the May leg of the IPL, ahead of the intense schedule leading up to the Ashes.

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler, another prominent English player, is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series. The Rajasthan Royals batter may choose to skip the latter half of the IPL to prioritize rest and secure game time ahead of the Ashes. This could include participating in England’s Test match against Ireland, providing Buttler with an ideal opportunity to prepare for the intense matches against Australia. As one of the key players for England, Buttler’s presence in the Ashes could make a significant impact on the team’s performance.

Pat Cummins

Australian skipper Pat Cummins has made the decision to skip IPL 2023 due to Australia’s busy schedule this year. With both the ODI World Cup and the Ashes on the horizon, Cummins has opted to prioritize his time and energy towards these events. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by his IPL team, but it’s a strategic decision that Cummins hopes will serve his national team well in their upcoming campaigns.

Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer is likely to become a source of tension between the Mumbai Indians and the ECB. The team bought Archer for a substantial price last year, aware that he was not fully fit and would be unavailable for IPL 2022. With Bumrah’s return date still uncertain, Mumbai Indians will be keen to retain Archer until the end of IPL 2023. However, Archer’s participation will be crucial for England’s success in the Ashes, and the ECB is expected to prioritize his rest and recovery ahead of the tournament. After being sidelined due to various injuries for nearly two years, Archer’s physical and mental well-being will be a top priority for the ECB.