Xtra Time Web Desk : As the cricketing fraternity prepares for the world’s biggest franchise league in the Indian Premier League, which is about to start in less than two weeks, there are some star overseas players who are likely to miss the first week mega tournament. So here’s a list of the top 5 picks who are likely to be categorized under the above :
Kagiso Rabada : The Punjab Kings pacer is a top most name in the list of cricketers who are likely to miss the first week of IPL. The pacer is likely to be a part of the South African squad that would face Bangladesh in an upcoming series.
Aaron Finch : The Australian limited overs skipper, who was picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders as a replacement of Alex Hales is also set to miss the first part of the tournament as he would be by then leading the Aussie limited overs side against Pakistan.
Marcus Stoinis : The swashbuckling Aussie all rounder is also expected to miss the first week of the 10 team mega tournament as he alongside his skipper Aaron Finch would be playing against Pakistan in the limited overs format.
David Warner : The former Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper, also a current cricketer of the Delhi Capitals franchise is also in the list of cricketers who are about to miss the first few matches of the IPL. Warner, who would be attending the funeral of Shane Warne on March 30, would eventually drift in to the team after the event.
Jonny Bairstow : The English wicketkeeper-batter will also miss the first few games of the tournament as the former Sunrisers Hyderabad cricketer is currently in West Indies, touring with the England Team and would eventually join his new franchise in Punjab Kings eventually after the completion of the ongoing Test series.