After becoming England’s youngest male cricketer to take a five-wicket haul on debut, many expected Rehan Ahmed to show his magic in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, the 18-year-old spinner has reportedly opted out of the IPL 2023 mega auction to focus on his development in red-ball cricket.
England Test coach Brendon McCullum praised the young player and encouraged him to play in the cash-rich league. However, Rehan reached his decision soon after. Rehan decided to stay out of the 16th edition of IPL with The Ashes in mind.
এখানে দেখো: IPL Auction 2023 Live Updates
“It will be great. If he does go, it will be great for him. I have been involved in the IPL for several seasons so I know sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Why not? Playing under different coaches and different captains and different players. Why not get that experience of playing with? How many other 18-year-olds in world cricket get that opportunity? I think we should encourage that,” McCullum said of Rehan on BBC Test Match Special.
Rehan Ahmed will play division two cricket for Leicestershire
Meanwhile, Rehan will be seen playing Division Two cricket for Leicestershire with the aim of cementing his place in the England Test squad. He has shown a lot of promise in the early stages of his career and according to reports, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is working closely with the county team to further develop his skills. The English management wants Rehan to prepare himself as an all-rounder for the upcoming season.
Not only Rehan, several English cricketers like Sam Billings, Chris Woakes and Alex Hales have decided not to play in the upcoming Indian Premier League. Although all have not mentioned any reason for not playing, it is expected that Billings and Oakes will want to improve their red ball cricket and hence stay away from IPL 2023. On the other hand, big name English players like Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid have named in the auction.
