IPL 2024 takes a massive hit as several overseas stars set to leave tournament midway

The high-octane thrill of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 might be dampened by a recent development. While foreign players like Heinrich Klaasen and Mustafizur Rahman have been lighting up the tournament, several of these stars might be forced to depart mid-season and rejoin their national teams. This news comes due to a scheduling conflict with multiple T20 International series scheduled for April and May. While foreign players are a major draw for the IPL, their explosive performances might be cut short this season. In a big blow to the hardcore cricket fans, several star international players may be forced to leave their IPL teams mid-tournament due to a scheduling conflict. Five T20 international series are happening in April and May, calling these players back to represent their home countries.

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Bangladesh, Zimbabwe players to return home

A five-match T20I series between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe is scheduled for the beginning of May. If both teams want to field their strongest teams, Mustafizur Rahman and Sikandar Raza may have to leave IPL 2024 mid-season due to national duty. Notably, the IPL 2024 season is currently underway and is scheduled to conclude on May 29, 2024. The Bangladesh and Zimbabwe T20I series is scheduled to start on May 3, 2024 and conclude on May 10, 2024. It will come down as big blows to two franchisees, PBKS and SRH. While Mustafizur Rahman plays for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sikandar Raza represents Punjab Kings. Both Mustafizur Rahman and Sikandar Raza are key players for their respective national teams.

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If Bangladesh and Zimbabwe want to field their strongest teams in the T20I series, they will need to recall Mustafizur Rahman and Sikandar Raza from the IPL. This means that Mustafizur Rahman and Sikandar Raza may have to leave IPL 2024 mid-season. So far Bangladesh Cricket Board and the Zimbabwe Cricket Board have not yet made any official announcements about the availability of Mustafizur Rahman and Sikandar Raza for the T20I series. However, it is likely that both players will be recalled to their national teams, which would mean that they would have to leave the IPL early.

This would be a blow to Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings. Both teams are currently in the top four of the IPL standings and are in contention for a playoff spot. Losing Mustafizur Rahman and Sikandar Raza would weaken both teams and make it more difficult for them to reach the playoffs.

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English players to leave IPL early for T20 World Cup preparations

With the 2024 T20 World Cup nearing, the England cricket team will be playing a four-match T20I series against Pakistan. The series will start on May 22, 2024 and conclude on May 30, 2024. This means that several senior England players will not be available for the IPL 2024 playoff matches. The 17th season of the IPL features several star English players. This is why many big teams could suffer significant losses. Notably, England are scheduled to play a T20I series against Pakistan slated to start on May 22, 2024 and conclude on May 30, 2024. Some of the English players who are participating in IPL 2024 include Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, and Chris Woakes.

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These five T20I series will clash with IPL 2024

Pakistan vs. New Zealand - 5 T-20s - April 18 to April 27
Bangladesh vs. Zimbabwe - 5 T-20s - May 3 to May 12
Ireland vs. Pakistan - 3 T-20s - May 10 to May 14
USA vs. Bangladesh - 3 T-20s - May 20 to May 24
England vs. Pakistan - 4 T-20s - May 22 to May 30

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