Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, expected to make waves in the IPL 2024 auction, is set to join the tournament only from the first week of May, as conveyed by the BCCI to the participating teams. Hazlewood, a crucial figure in Australia’s recent ODI World Cup victory, will be away in March and April due to the impending arrival of his first child, prompting his late entry into the IPL.
Despite being placed in the high-end Rs 2 crore base price category, as revealed in the auction list for the event in Dubai, Hazlewood was released by the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Contrary to Hazlewood’s limited availability, a report from ESPNCricinfo assures that all other Australian players, including World Cup hero Travis Head, will be accessible throughout the entire IPL duration.
Meanwhile, experienced Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman will be available only between March 22 and May 11. On the other hand, fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam are ruled out for the upcoming IPL, set to feature in Bangladesh’s home series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe from March to April.
Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, released by RCB, and pacer Dushmantha Chameera, let go by Lucknow Super Giants, are confirmed to be available for the entire IPL, not being part of their nation’s Test plans.
For other Sri Lankan players involved in the Test squad, availability post the series against Bangladesh (concluding on April 3) hinges on whether they are acquired in the auction.
In a notable development, England’s young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, with a base price of Rs 50 lakh, has opted out of the auction, intending to return home after the five-match Test series against India.
ECB Managing Director Rob Key will closely monitor the participation of other England players in the IPL, especially considering the T20 World Cup scheduled immediately after IPL 2024 in the West Indies and the USA. Notable English players like Harry Brook, Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes, and Phil Salt are among the high-profile names in the auction pool.