Pat-Cummins

Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL

The second leg of IPL is set to begin from September 19, with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings already reaching the venue to begin the preparations for the second leg of the cash-rich league. With reference to the participation of players in the UAE leg, Cricket Australia has already issued No Objection Certificates earlier this month while a T20I tri-series may take place ahead of the T20 World Cup with Afghanistan and West Indies. Australian players that participated in the first leg of IPL include- Pat Cummins, David Warner, Jhye Richardson, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith amongst others.

However, in a recent update, it is being speculated that Pat Cummins along with Jhye Richardson Kane Richardson and Riley Meredith are likely to miss the UAE leg of IPL 2021.

Pat Cummins, alongside 3 Aussie players to pull out of UAE leg

KKR’s key pacer Pat Cummins opened up earlier this month regarding his participation in the second leg of IPL 2021. The Australian hinted that he’ll be unavailable for the remainder of IPL owing to the birth of his first child, which is expected during the time of IPL. “Unfortunately, at this stage, I probably won’t go to the IPL. I haven’t made an official call on it. But my partner is pregnant, and our baby is due in the middle of the IPL,” said Pat Cummins.

Pat Cummins’ absence might come as a big blow for KKR, given that he has been one of the top performer for the side. He has been KKR’s highest wicket taker, picking 7 wickets in 7 matches. Undoubtedly, his  presence would’ve been crucial as the franchise is currently standing in the lower half of the table. Among the other players who are likely to pull out from the second leg are Riley Meredith and Jhye Richardson, which might affect Punjab Kings to an extent. Kane Richardson is also likely to miss out the second phase of IPL 2021.

MS Dhoni-led CSK is set to take on Mumbai Indians to mark the resumption of IPL 2021 on September 19 with the stage being set for some exciting cricket action in the September-October window.