After England players, Kagiso Rabada also leaves IPL early

England cricketers participating in the IPL are gradually making their way back home to prepare for the series against Pakistan

PHOTO: AFP

Kagiso Rabada has returned home from the IPL with an infection in the soft tissue of a lower limb, but is expected to be available for the entire T20 World Cup 2024.

During the pre-match press conference in Guwahati on Tuesday, Punjab Kings' (PBKS) assistant coach Brad Haddin confirmed that their pacer Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2024, further depleting the squad.

England and Punjab Kings' Liam Livingstone also departed India ahead of schedule to address a knee issue before the next month’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Meanwhile, England cricketers participating in the IPL are gradually making their way back home to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup and the series against Pakistan.

After Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory over Delhi Capitals (DC), Will Jacks and Reece Topley headed back to the UK, while Jos Buttler left the Rajasthan Royals camp before their match against PBKS.

Other players like Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, and Phil Salt are set to depart from India this week, aiming to rejoin the squad by the weekend.

The England squad will regroup in Leeds ahead of their first T20I against Pakistan at Headingley on May 22.

It is worth noting that England will play a four-match T20I series against Pakistan starting on May 22. Players currently playing in the Indian Premier League will return in time for the series.

England squad for Pakistan series:

Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood