The Yorkshire County Cricket Club can confirm that Liam Plunkett will join up with the Delhi Daredevils for IPL18.
Plunkett has been called up as a replacement for Kagiso Rabada after the South African fast bowler was ruled out of the competition with a back injury.
The Yorkshire fast bowler, who turned 33-years-old yesterday, could be set to miss the opening seven weeks of the English domestic season, depending on the Delhli Daredevils’ progression in IPL18.
Speaking about his upcoming stint in the IPL with the Delhi Daredevils, Plunkett said: “I am excited to be joining up with the Delhi Daredevils to take part in the biggest t20 competition in the world.
“This will be a great experience, playing against some of the world’s best players and in front of packed houses.”
Yorkshire Director of Cricket Martyn Moxon said: “Naturally we are disappointed that we will be without Liam for the start of the season, however, we acknowledge that this is a significant amount of money that Liam can earn.
“As I stated at Yorkshire’s recent AGM, it is a difficult situation for the Club to be in when players are presented with life-changing amounts of money to play in such tournaments around the world.
“We wish Liam all the best in India and will crack on with the strong squad of players that we have at Emerald Headingley, all of whom are competing hard to be selected for our opening Specsavers County Championship fixture against Essex on Friday.”
Yorkshire Chief Executive Mark Arthur added: “At this stage of his career, it is only fair that we leave this decision to Liam. I believe that it would be wrong for ourselves or England to stand in his way.
“Liam is currently coming back from injury, so white ball cricket might be more beneficial for him as it requires a different type of fitness than the longer form of the game. Despite sharing Martyn’s disappointment, our bowling attack remains strong heading into next week’s Championship season opener.”
