In recent developments, its has been learnt that Moeen Ali will not take part in IPL 2016, and new T20 star Travis Head will. Head, who has been released by Delhi Daredevils, is likely to be one of the most in-demand players at the auction on February 6.
As for Moeen Ali, the all-rounder who could have been an asset to any team in the IPL, given that he can also open the batting, has pulled out after a reported discussion with England Team Director Andrew Strauss, report ESPNCricinfo. The reason offered is that the workload will be hard to bear, given that England are already playing a lot of international cricket.
England pacer James Anderson had recently ruled out an IPL swansong in favour of representing his country.
England are currently playing their second of 17 Tests scheduled for 2016, with Moeen likely to play a prominent role in all of them. He is also likely to be included in the World T20 squad. Moeen took the decision of withdrawing from IPL at the complete or partial behest of the ECB, but is not very displeased with it, as it proves that he is seen as an integral part to England’s plans for the next year, in cricket over all three formats.
Travis Head to find many suitors on Feb 6
Australian batsman Travis Head, who has scored 276 runs at an average of 55.2 and a staggering strike-rate of 158.62 in the ongoing Big Bash League, has been one of the most prolific scorers in T20 cricket in recent times.
The 22-year-old hard-hitting left hander’s exploits has only been eclipsed in the league by Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Chris Lynn.
Head was registered as a Delhi Daredevils player, and the bottom placed franchise would have been looking to make their investment count this year.
Retained initially, Head's name was taken off the list after Delhi's tally of retained overseas players for the 2016 season was reduced from six to five on the IPL website. Head was shocked to learn of his retention in the aftermath of his unbeaten 101 against the Sydney Sixers, having been formally notified by the Daredevils he would be released.
He will be officially available at the auction to be held on February 6, and will be one name all franchises will want on board.
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