England’s star fast bowler, Jofra Archer, won’t be part of the IPL 2024. He opted not to enlist for the mini-auction slated for December 19 in Dubai.
Star England fast bowler Jofra Archer won’t be joining the IPL 2024, having elected not to participate in the mini-auction set for December 19 in Dubai. Reports claim that Archer has been urged to forego the event, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) aiming to control his workload in preparation for the T20 World Cup 2024. The global event is slated to be jointly held by the West Indies and the USA in June 2024.
The 28-year-old’s last outing on the cricket pitch goes back to May 2023 during his time with the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023. Unfortunately, he appeared in just five matches owing to recurring stress elbow troubles, finally sidelining him from the T20 extravaganza.
Archer’s journey with the England side for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India hit a hiccup when he suffered elbow soreness during training in Mumbai, requiring his speedy return home within a week. Despite being a reserve player, Archer experienced problems that hampered his participation.
In a recent development, the Barbados-born cricketer inked a two-year central contract with the ECB, covering from October 2023 to September 2025. According to an ESPNCricinfo report, the ECB advised Archer against entering the IPL 2024 auction. The rationale behind this move is the board’s opinion that overseeing Archer’s return to the game will be easier and feasible under their watchful eye in the UK throughout April and May, as opposed to the complexity of managing his recuperation in India while competing in the IPL.
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Rob Key, the general director of England Men’s cricket, cooperated with the Mumbai Indians medical department to design a precise recuperation plan for Archer post-IPL 2023. This plan extends into Archer’s stint with MI Cape Town in SA20 2024, ensuring a thorough approach to his rehabilitation under the combined experience of English and Mumbai Indians cricketing pros.
MI Cape Town has secured the support of the speedster for the forthcoming second season of SA 20, identifying him as a ‘wildcard’ player. However, his participation in the event hinges on the development of his rehabilitation. Archer is due to join England’s white-ball squad for training in Barbados next week. Notably, he won’t be part of the ODI or T20I series against West Indies commencing on December 3.
