Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS) have signed Nathan Ellis, the Australian pacer who has been drafted into the national side as a reserve for the upcoming ICC Twenty20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the UAE.
Ellis was signed by the franchise as couple of their Australian imports – Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith have been ruled out for the remainder of the IPL 2021, scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 19.
“We were not aware of the fitness status of Jhye and Riley until yesterday. We have signed Ellis as a replacement player. We will announce the second replacement in a day or two,” PBKS’ CEO Satish Menon was quoted as saying to Cricbuzz.
“We are in talks with a few players. Anil (Kumble, the head coach) will finalise one soon,” he added.
According to a report in cricket.com.au, 26-year-old Ellis was chased by a total of three franchises for the second leg of the 14th season and on Thursday night however, he ended up signing a deal with the PBKS.
Earlier during the IPL auction, mome of the franchise showed any interest for Ellis.
However, Ellis hogged limelight in the just concluded Bangladesh T20I series after he had bagged a hat-trick on his debut against the Bangla Tigers in Dhaka.
Moreover, the 26-year-old had also earned himself a spot in CA’s 3-man reserve list for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the UAE after the IPL.
Significatly, Ellis is not the only replacement player, who will join an IPL franchise for the remainder of the 14th season as many cricketers are likley to miss the remainder of the tournament.
As per reports, Pat Cummins, Kane Richardson, Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith are likely to miss the second leg of the 14th season and so, few other players are set to be roped in by the franchises.
With less than a month from its resumption, the eight franchises are likely to finalise their squad soon as overseas players’ availability will remain an issue before them.