Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been hit with a big blow ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. Jonny Bairstow, who was signed for INR 6.75 crore, has decided to prefer Ashes over the best T20 tournament in the world.
A report by the British publication Guardian states that Bairstow will not play in the 16th season of the league as he continues to recover from a freak leg injury he suffered in September.
Bairstow has made immense progress but he is not ready for IPL. He will make his comeback in county cricket for Yorkshire.
The wicket-keeper batter was injured while playing golf and suffered multiple fractures. He missed the ICC T20 World Cup, which was won by England.
Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan will lead Punjab in the upcoming season after franchise parted ways with Mayank Agarwal, who has joined Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2023.