Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami will miss the upcoming IPL 2024 season as he recovers from recent ankle surgery. However, there’s positive news for Indian cricket fans, as the BCCI expects him to be back in action for the home Test series against Bangladesh later this year.
Mohammed Shami’s Recovery Timeline
Shami’s absence comes after undergoing surgery for an Achilles tendon issue last month. He missed the recently concluded five-match Test series against England and will now sit out the IPL season to ensure a complete recovery. His standout performance in the ODI World Cup solidified his importance to the Indian bowling attack.
The Bangladesh series, scheduled for September, provides Mohammed Shami with a target date for his return. This extended break allows him to focus on rehabilitation and regain peak fitness in time for the upcoming Test matches.
Hopeful Returns for Rahul and Pant
While Shami’s absence is a blow, there’s positive news on other fronts. KL Rahul, who missed the last four Tests against England due to a quadriceps injury, is undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The BCCI expects him to be fit in time for the IPL season, where he will represent the Lucknow Super Giants.
The biggest piece of good news comes from Rishabh Pant. The star wicketkeeper-batsman is on track for a much-anticipated comeback in the IPL. Pant has been recovering from a horrific car accident in December 2022 and has shown remarkable progress. The BCCI is optimistic that he will not only be fit for the IPL but also be a contender for a spot in the upcoming T20 World Cup squad.
Foreign Investment on Hold for IPL
During the interaction with the media, BCCI secretary Jay Shah also addressed the possibility of foreign investment in the IPL. He clarified that the BCCI’s structure as a society prevents such investment opportunities. Unlike a company, a society in India cannot accept foreign investment without approval from the central government and the Reserve Bank of India.
While the door remains closed for foreign investors, the focus remains on the upcoming season. Shami’s absence weakens the bowling attack, but the potential return of Rahul and Pant offers a significant boost for their respective franchises and the Indian team as a whole.