In what comes as a shocker for Indian Premier League (IPL) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) fans, star wicketkeeper batter Jonny Bairstow is set to miss the entire season. The England cricketer, who plays for PBKS will give IPL 2023 a miss to focus on his recovery and prepare for the Ashes series. Notably, Bairstow has been out of action for several months after he suffered a freak injury last year.
According to reports, Bairstow will make a return to cricket with Yorkshire rather than playing franchise cricket. After undergoing successful surgery on his left leg – including the insertion of a metal plate, Bairstow has made good progress as of late. However, playing in the IPL where every match is a high-stake game, seems too much for the ailing batter.
"But the IPL that gets underway on 31 March and runs until the end of May is expected to come too soon. His franchise, Punjab Kings, would have to keep an overseas slot vacant until midway through the tournament and, as such, Bairstow is instead expected to plot his return to playing back at Yorkshire," a report in The Guardian claimed.
Notably, Bairstow missed T20 World Cup 2022 after he broke his leg in a freak accident while playing golf. The wicketkeeper batter has been out of action since then. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings have made major changes to their squad ahead of IPL 2023 and will be needing Bairstow as he is a part of the core.