IPL 2023: Punjab Kings’ Liam Livingstone to miss opener match against Kolkata Knight Riders

England batter Liam Livingstone will be absent from Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) first match in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, as he awaits fitness clearance from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) following his recovery from a knee injury sustained in December, according to a report from ESPNCricinfo on Wednesday.

PBKS is set to begin their IPL campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on April 1. Livingstone, known for his all-round skills, has not participated in any competitive cricket since his injury during his Test debut against Pakistan in December.

The batter had a successful 2022 IPL season with PBKS, scoring 437 runs across 14 matches and claiming six wickets with his spin bowling. Livingstone has represented England in 12 ODIs and 29 T20Is, and holds the record for the fastest century by an England player in T20Is. Despite his efforts, PBKS finished in sixth place for the fourth consecutive season.

Sam Curran, the most expensive player in IPL history, has joined the team, leaving him as the only English player in the squad. Jonny Bairstow is also out of the competition, with Australia’s Matthew Short named as his replacement. Short was the ‘Player of the Tournament’ during the Big Bash League (BBL) 2022-23, showcasing his batting and bowling prowess.

Livingstone is not the only player who will miss PBKS’s opening game; South African pacer Kagiso Rabada will be absent due to international cricket commitments. Rabada is expected to arrive in India on April 3, ahead of an away match against Rajasthan Royals.

PBKS is set to begin their IPL campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Saturday April 1.

2023 Punjab Kings IPL Schedule Squad:

Shikhar Dhawan (Captain), Harpreet Singh Bhatia, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Sikandar Raza, Shahrukh Khan, Mohit Rathee, Harpreet Brar, Sam Curran, Rishi Dhawan, Baltej Singh, Shivam Singh, Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma, Raj Bawa, Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Ellis, Vidhwath Kaverappa, Rahul Chahar and Arshdeep Singh