While Punjab Kings were playing Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on Wednesday (5 April), their hard-hitting English recruit Liam Livingstone was practicing at Old Trafford. On Thursday, he was spotted jogging around the Manchester stadium while Lancashire played Surrey in a county match.
Evidently, his anticipated presence in India for the IPL 2023 has been delayed, and the Punjab Kings do not know when the bold batsman will join the Mohali side. “He will be here next week,” a PBKS official said after the team’s second consecutive victory, over Rajasthan Royals.
Inquiries with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC) have revealed that Livingstone, who was purchased at auction for INR 11.5 crores in 2022 for his all-round abilities, will require more than a week and may not arrive until mid-April.
A representative of the ECB told on Thursday, “He is expected to arrive in mid-April.” “He is progressing well.” It appears that Livingstone is not yet at full health, as he has been training with his LCCC teammates. Since the month of December, he has not played competitive cricket due to ankle and knee issues.
“He is still undergoing rehabilitation for his injury. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at Old Trafford. The dates are fluid, but he will be in India around April 15,” an ECB official said.
Livingstone told Sky Sports on Thursday evening that he hopes to receive medical clearance to travel to India within the next few days. The all-rounder stated on live television that he is anticipating a successful IPL season, indicating that he may reach before the 15th of this month.
Livingstone has been encouraging his PBKS companions via social media before and after each of their IPL matches. However, the franchise would be more interested in his batting prowess, which is desperately required in the middle order, and his fielding expertise.
With four points, the Shikhar Dhawan squad shares the top position in the standings with the Gujarat Titans. On April 9, they will play another away encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
