Alex Hales pulls out of IPL 2022, Aaron Finch named replacement

"I don’t feel as though I can commit myself to another extended period within a secure environment," said Hales

PHOTO COURTESY: AFP

England’s opening batsman Alex Hales has withdrawn from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 due to "bubble fatigue."

Speaking about his decision to not be a part of the upcoming edition of IPL, Hales said that it was a tough decision for him.

"I am sad to announce that I have made the tough decision to withdraw from the forthcoming IPL,” stated Hales

Hales, who was also part of the HBL PSL 7 and pulled over in the middle of the tournament for the same reason, added that staying away from home for the last four months in bio bubbles with restrictions and having tested for Covid-19 in Australia.

"I don’t feel as though I can commit myself to another extended period within a secure environment."

Hales, who was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the IPL auction, said: "I am truly gutted to have to turn down one of the best opportunities of my career due to the toll that the last two years of bubble life have taken on my mental well-being."

Hales will now take a break to recharge himself and prepare ahead for the summer.

"I want to thank KKR for believing in me during the auction and for their ongoing support in recent weeks," added Hales.

Hales was in red hot form in HBL PSL 7 and played some brilliant knocks for United. He was bought by KKR for INR 15 million at the auction.

It is worth mentioning that Hales is the second English player to withdraw from the IPL after Jason Roy, who played for Quetta Gladiators in the HBL PSL 7 as he too earlier excused from participating in the upcoming season of IPL.

Australian T20 captain, Aaron Finch is named as the replacement for Hale by KKR, as per the reports in India.

Finch has been a regular part of IPL in the past, and he has scored over 2000 IPL runs in 87 IPL appearances. Finch was bought for INR 1.5 crore.

The two-time IPL champions KKR will be in action in the opening game of IPL 2022 against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The upcoming IPL season will start on March 26.