ECB grants NOC to Sam Curran for playing Indian T20 League

Ahead of the 16th edition of the Indian T20 League, international players have started to join their respective teams. Australian and South African players have already begun to camp with their teams while English players are yet to receive NOC from the England cricket board. Meanwhile, in a recent report England and Wales Cricket Board released some players but didn’t allow Jonny Bairstow to play in the Indian T20 League.

According to a news report, ECB allowed Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, and Ben Stokes to join their respective teams to participate in the Indian T20 League. Meanwhile, ECB also decided that Jonny Bairstow will not participate in the Indian T20 League as he will undergo rehab to be available for Ashes and ODI World Cup. Notably, he is out of action since October 2022 after injuring his left leg while playing golf.

ECB’s decision came as a huge relief for the Punjab franchise as Sam Curran who has been the costliest buy in the history of the Indian T20 League will join them. Curran along with Liam Livingstone will join the camp of Punjab soon. Punjab roped in both Curran and Livingstone for a huge sum of INR 18.50 Crore and 11.50 Crore respectively.

Shikhar Dhawan to lead Punjab 

Ahead of the season, Punjab announced their new captain as Mayank Agrawal left them after a bizarre season. According to the franchise Star India opener, Shikhar Dhawan will be leading them in the 16th edition of the tournament. Punjab will play their first game of the season against Kolkata at their home ground in Mohali on April 1.

Notably, after three years of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Indian T20 League will be organized in a Home and Away game format. This will allow the sport to penetrate tier 2 and 3 cities. To expand the game in North East two matches will be Organized in Guwahati too as Rajasthan will play their home games there. This season will also witness some changes as teams will be allowed to play an Impact player during the game.