Why is Liam Livingstone Not Playing in IPL 2023?

England batter Liam Livingstone has been among the most prominent absentees in the first week of the 16th season of the Indian Premier League. In what is going to be Livingstone’s second season at Punjab Kings, it is slated to be his fourth season in the IPL.

Livingstone, who played for Rajasthan Royals in 2019 and 2021, had joined Punjab last season. Making amends for two flop seasons, the 29-year old player scored 437 runs across 14 innings at an average of 36.41 and a strike rate of 182.08 to be their second-highest run-scorer after Shikhar Dhawan (460).

Livingstone, who missed Kings’ season opener against Kolkata Knight Riders in Mohali on Saturday, will also be missing their second match against Rajasthan in Guwahati tonight. Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza got to make an IPL debut in Livingstone’s absence. Having said that, one expects the Englishman to reclaim his middle-order spot upon his arrival in India.

Why is Liam Livingstone Not Playing in IPL 2023?

Unlike his English and PBKS teammate Jonny Bairstow, Livingstone hasn’t been ruled out of the ongoing IPL 2023. It’s just that he is yet to get a fitness clearance from the ECB (England Cricket Board) for his return to representative cricket after four months.

Livingstone, who made his Test debut in Pakistan last year, had suffered a knee injury in the same match. Having missed out on action since them, Livingstone will “soon” be returning to the biggest T20 tournament in the world.

A primary reason why ECB could be tad bit extra cautious with respect to their key white-ball all-rounder is him suffering an ankle injury a few months prior to the knee injury. Livingstone, who created a positive impact in Punjab’s dressing room in addition to his performance with the bat last season, is keenly awaited by both his teammates and fans.

UPDATE: Livingstone has joined Kings but is still not playing in IPL 2023 Match 18 against Gujarat Titans. While nothing official has been said by the franchise, perhaps they are waiting for his optimum recovery.

Liam Livingstone IPL Record

All in all, Livingstone has scored 549 runs across 23 IPL innings at an average of 27.45 and a strike rate of 166.87 including four half-centuries. Another spectacular IPL season should aid him in further improving his numbers.