The ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have witnessed overseas cricketers playing a significant part. From Jonny Bairstow and David Warner of Sunrisers Hyderabad to Kagiso Rababa of Delhi Capitals, every cricketer have left their mark. Meanwhile, with the ICC World Cup approaching, the exodus of foreign cricketers have already begun with the England players among the first to leave.
Meanwhile, Jonny Bairstow has already played his last game of the season against Chennai Super Kings. Although the English wicket-keeper had a fabulous outing but ended on a sad note as Chennai scripted a thumping six-wicket win last night. On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) all-rounder Moeen Ali will play his final game later today against the Kings XI Punjab. Ahead of the match, Ali said it feels ridiculous to leave the IPL mid-season that too when the team have started to perform.
The England Cricket team have a series against Ireland and Pakistan leading to the world cup. As a result, the players are leaving early to take part in the camp to prepare for the upcoming series. Ahead of the 2019 IPL, nations like England, Australia, and South Africa have made it clear that they will call back players midway to the IPL to join the World Cup preparatory camps.
Here is the list of players who will bid adieu to this edition of the IPL before the season ends:
CHENNAI SUPER KINGS: Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir
KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS: Joe Denly
KINGS XI PUNJAB: David Miller
ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE: Moeen Ali, Dale Steyn, Marcus Stoinis, Heinrich Klassen
DELHI CAPITALS: Kagiso Rabada
RAJASTHAN ROYALS: Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Steven Smith, Jofra Archer
SUNRISERS HYDERABAD: Jonny Bairstow, David Warner, Shakib Al Hasan
MUMBAI INDIANS: Quinton de Kock, Jason Behrendorff
Meanwhile, there is no clarity over the future of the Windies, New Zealand and Bangladesh Cricket. Their board have not issued any statements as of yet and are likely to be available for the whole IPL. Windies are likely to announce their 15-member World Cup squad on April 25.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are likely to be the most affected team with both their star opening pair leaving the tournament midway. Jonny Bairstow and David Warner have stitched four 100+ stands in this IPL and are the most lethal opening pair in this tournament. The management will now have to seek different options to replace their opening pair. Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals will also suffer due to the early departure of the overseas cricketers.