Kamal Ghorui
Peter Siddle and Samit Patel have been ruled out of this summer’s T20 Blast after falling foul of ECB regulations linked to their participation in an unsanctioned tournament earlier this year, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. Both players featured in the World Legends Pro T20 League held in Goa during January and February, a competition deemed “disapproved cricket” as it did not have the backing of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Under ECB rules, any cricketer who has taken part in such events within 12 months of the domestic season is barred from county competitions. Siddle, 41, had been lined up as an overseas signing for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club in the Blast, but the deal has now been scrapped. The club confirmed the development on Tuesday, citing his “personal circumstances”. Director of cricket Mick Newell admitted the decision was a setback, saying Nottinghamshire were “naturally disappointed” and would now seek a replacement. The county had already bolstered their squad with additions like Benny Howell and George Munsey. However, they could also be without another overseas recruit, George Linde, at the start of the tournament. Linde is currently tied up with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and may miss the opening matches if the franchise progresses to the playoffs. Meanwhile, Patel’s situation is more definitive. The 41-year-old all-rounder, who has been without a county contract since leaving Derbyshire County Cricket Club after last season, confirmed that he has accepted the ECB’s directive and abandoned hopes of playing in this year’s Blast. Patel’s absence marks the end of a remarkable streak. Alongside Ravi Bopara, he is one of only two players to have appeared in every edition of the T20 Blast since its inception in 2003. Neither will feature this season, with Bopara having already stepped away from county cricket last month to focus on coaching and media commitments.
