IPL 2024 hit by wave of foreign players’ withdrawals

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has requested to take a break from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, citing the need for a mental and physical break ahead of the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in June. 

Maxwell recently asked the Royal Challengers Bengaluru management to pick someone else in his place for their clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Maxwell's decision came after a series of underwhelming performances for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), with his innings of 28 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) being the only notable contribution in terms of runs. 

Despite entering the IPL on the back of impressive performances for Australia, including significant contributions during their ICC Men's Cricket World Cup success, Maxwell has struggled to find form in the IPL.

The situation is compounded by injuries to key players within the Australian contingent participating in the IPL. All-rounder Mitch Marsh has been dealing with a hamstring injury and has since returned to Australia for rehabilitation, while top-order batsman David Warner is nursing a finger injury sustained during a match for Delhi Capitals.

Meanwhile, the IPL has seen withdrawals from other international players as well. England all-rounder David Willey has opted out of the tournament citing personal reasons, with Lucknow Super Giants drafting in fast bowler Matt Henry as his replacement. Furthermore, leg-spinner Adam Zampa also decided to withdraw from the IPL due to personal reasons after a hectic season with the Australian team.

Joining the list of withdrawals is England cricketer Jason Roy, who represented Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024. Roy cited personal reasons for his decision to withdraw from the tournament, leading KKR to acquire Phil Salt as his replacement.