In a huge blow to Punjab Kings (PBKS), England all-rounder Liam Livingstone will miss the opening match of the upcoming IPL 2023.
The Shikhar Dhawan-led side will open their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Mohali on April 1 however, Livingstone won’t be able to reach the city in time for that game.
According to a Cricbuzz report, an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) official has confirmed that the all-rounder, who was on an off-season tour to Dubai, will reach India next week, likely before their second game against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on April 5.
On Wednesday, Livingstone posted an image of his practice session at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Livingstone, who is a key member of PBKS for his all-round abilities, has not played competitive cricket since picking up the knee injury on his Test debut in Pakistan and his absence will increase the the problems for coach Trevor Bayliss and captain Dhawan as the team is already without wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow, who has been ruled out of the season, and Kagiso Rabada, who is only arriving in India on April 3 due to his international commitments.