As the cricketing world gears up for another exhilarating season, the stage is set for the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Anticipation is at an all-time high as fans eagerly await the thrill and excitement that this renowned tournament brings year after year.
With a rich history of delivering unparalleled cricketing entertainment, the IPL continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its electrifying matches and star-studded line-ups. As the countdown to IPL 2024 begins, cricket enthusiasts brace themselves for yet another unforgettable chapter in the saga of this prestigious league.
However, as fans eagerly await the 17th IPL season starting in March, there’s a chance that quite a few prominent players might not participate. Some Afghanistan players could face possible bans from the league, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their participation in the upcoming season. This potential development adds an unexpected twist to the anticipation surrounding IPL 2024, leaving fans and experts alike speculating about the impact it may have on team dynamics and the overall excitement of the tournament.
Afghanistan players to miss IPL 2024
The participation of several prominent Afghan players in the upcoming IPL 2024 season hangs in the balance due to bans imposed by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi are among the players affected as their bans stem from specific reasons, adding an element of uncertainty to their availability for the tournament. Furthermore, another notable Afghan star, Naveen-ul-Haq faces the possibility of missing out on the tournament due to his ban related to prioritizing T20 leagues over national cricket, as sanctioned by the ACB.
Teams who can target Sarfaraz Khan
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the participation of Afghan players in IPL 2024, attention turns to potential replacements for affected franchises. With several teams potentially needing to fill crucial spots in their squads, speculation abounds regarding which players could step in to fill the void. One name that surfaces prominently in discussions is that of Sarfaraz Khan, who has showcased his talent and versatility in the recent past. Notably, the talented batter from Mumbai didn’t get any buyer in the IPL 2024 players’ auction.
As franchises strategize and assess their options, let’s delve into three teams that could consider signing Sarfaraz as a replacement for the Afghanistan players in IPL 2024.
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Kolkata Knight Riders: The two-time champions KKR roped in Mujeeb for INR 2 crore for the upcoming season. His ban from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) raises questions about his availability for IPL 2024, leaving KKR potentially in need of a replacement spinner. Though, KKR already has plenty of options in the form of Sunil Narine, Suyash Sharma, and Varun Chakaravarthy. So getting someone like Sarfaraz will do wonders for them considering they have finishers like Rinku Singh and Andre Russell.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired Fazalhaq Farooqi for INR 50 lakhs, but his participation is now uncertain. As a fast bowler, his absence could leave a void in Sunrisers’ bowling lineup, prompting the team to consider alternatives. But since they have Pat Cummins, Jaydev Unadkat, Umran Malik, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Marco Jansen, getting Sarfaraz would be a win-win deal for them.
Lucknow Super Giants: Talented pacer Naveen-ul-Haq might miss the upcoming tournament due to a ban from his country’s board, related to prioritizing T20 leagues over national cricket. This could force LSG to seek a replacement. Having the likes of Mark Wood, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Shivam Mavi, LSG might get a good deal if they rope in Sarfaraz.
