The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has granted all-rounder Liam Livingstone the clearance to participate in the full season of the upcoming IPL 2023 with Punjab Kings. However, the board has denied the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to attacking batter Jonny Bairstow.
Bairstow, who suffered a broken leg and dislocated ankle in October, is expected to recover in a couple of weeks but due to his long injury lay-off, the ECB has decided not to issue him the NOC for the IPL 2023 starting on March 31. The board is optimistic that Bairstow will be available for the Ashes later in the year.
Punjab Kings acquired Bairstow for INR 6.75 crore in the player auction, but he has not played competitive cricket since August due to his injury. In contrast, Livingstone, purchased by the franchise for INR 11.50 crore, has recovered from his knee and ankle injuries and recently participated in Lancashire County Cricket Club's off-season training in Dubai.
According to a Cricbuzz report, Livingstone will be available for the entire IPL season. The participation of English all-rounder Sam Curran, who became the most expensive buy at an IPL auction when Punjab Kings purchased him for INR 18.50 crore, was also confirmed.
All other England players, including Mark Wood (Lucknow), Jofra Archer (Mumbai Indians), and Ben Stokes (Chennai Super Kings), will take part in the IPL. Will Jacks, bought for INR 3.2 crore by Royal Challengers Bangalore, has been ruled out due to an injury, and RCB has announced Michael Bracewell as his replacement.