Overview:
Livingstone is still in demand in the T20 leagues across the globe. Sunrisers Hyderabad signed him for INR 13 crore.
England all-rounder Liam Livingstone has hit out at head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key for a lack of communication and no support during his toughest phase in international cricket. The 32-year-old, who has been a part of 100 international matches, hasn’t played for the country for nearly a year, and there is hardly any possibility of him getting a call.
He was dropped from the white-ball teams after failing to perform on the 2025 tour of India and the Champions Trophy. He said that his relationship with the decision-makers deteriorated after being excluded from the home series against the West Indies last year.
According to Livingstone, he got a call from McCullum, who informed him about his removal from the team, and it lasted less than a minute.
“The call didn’t even last a minute. They wanted to try someone else. Luke Wright, the outgoing selector, didn’t reach out, and I just received a message from Brooky (captain Harry Brook),” Livingstone told ESPNcricinfo.
He accused Rob Key of lying as the latter didn’t call him in the summer despite making a promise. When they finally spoke, Key informed that his central contract wouldn’t be renewed. When Livingstone highlighted the lack of communication, Key told him bluntly that he had more important things to do than speak to him.
“Key didn’t say much. He promised to call in the summer, but it didn’t happen. I rang him, but he said he was busy with a Test camp. I didn’t hear from him until the end of September,” he said.
He called the Champions Trophy the worst experience of his career as the player managed just 33 from three matches, with England losing all three games.
“I asked for help and was told to chill out as I was caring too much. Nothing was working for me, and I was not able to time the ball. If you ask me about my hopes, I would say that I want to play cricket and I am not going to be a part of something that isn’t enjoyable,” he added.
Livingstone is still in demand in the T20 leagues across the globe. Sunrisers Hyderabad signed him for INR 13 crore. Earlier, he played for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20 and Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20.